Argos Welcome Back Bob Nicholson as President and CEO
Published on May 6, 2009 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release
Toronto - At a media conference at the Liberty Grand in downtown Toronto this morning, Toronto Argonauts co-owners, David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski, welcomed back Bob Nicholson as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Club. With over 25 years of experience in professional sports, there are few executives whose career success parallels that of Toronto's own Bob Nicholson. Nicholson served as President of the Toronto Argonauts during one of the club's most prolific periods (1995-99) with back-to-back Grey Cup wins in 1996 and 1997. Nicholson will assume his post effective immediately.
Commented Sokolowski and Cynamon, "We are thrilled to welcome back Bob Nicholson as our new President and CEO. Not only does Bob represent our future, he is an important link to our past. We are confident he is the right man for the job and believe he is a perfect fit for the organizational culture we have built. His business acumen and experience in the sports industry will build on the success our team has enjoyed and take us to the next level."
Nicholson remarked, "I am thrilled to be back with a franchise that has been a passion of mine since my early teen years. David and Howard saved this franchise in 2003 and it is their passion and strength of ownership that made this opportunity so attractive, and the chance to build for the future a reality. It has been wonderful to watch the League get stronger over the past ten years since I was President of the Argos and see the public focus shift from business issues to the great product on the field. I understand the challenges in the southern Ontario marketplace but those challenges are what excite and motivate me. As Toronto's football team, we must consistently demonstrate integrity and a commitment to excellence and the community we serve. I look forward to working with the Club's great staff to make 2009 a successful year and create a plan for 2010 and beyond. "
In an 18 year career with the Toronto Blue Jays (1982-99), Nicholson's winning touch saw the Jays set professional sports records in four consecutive years (1990-1993) with average attendance in excess of 4 million and two World Series championships. He also directed the Major League Baseball All Star Game and festival in Toronto (1991). Other notable achievements include Nicholson's role as Chief Financial Officer of the Montreal Expos (2002-07), working with MLB to sell the franchise and relocate it to Washington, D.C., ultimately finalizing the sale of the Washington Nationals and the new stadium in July 2006 for $450 million to the Lerner family. Most recently, Nicholson served as President of his own Wizard Sports Group, a sports and entertainment consulting practice he founded in 2000. The company helped manage the 2009 World Baseball Classicworldwide ticket sales strategy and execution and the Toronto tournament.
At the media conference, Nicholson named Michael "Pinball" Clemons Vice-Chair of the Toronto Argonauts. After a Hall of Fame playing career, Clemons enjoyed a successful coaching career, leading the team to a Grey Cup win in 2004. At the end of 2007, Clemons transitioned to the executive office, becoming the Club's CEO. In his new role, Clemons will report to Nicholson as his special advisor, handling a range of duties including providing input and assistance with key sales and corporate partner programs, significant community initiatives, and brand and media relations.
Clemons commented, "This is a great day for our organization. But first let me share my excitement about my new role with the Club that will afford me the opportunity to not only grow in business but also cultivate my passion for community. More importantly, I'd like to welcome back a proverbial giant in the sports industry. Bob is one of the greatest people and most committed Argo fans I've ever been around. While noone can argue with his resume, it is the resulting impact left on the people he leads that is the real win for us. As a result, we became more resolute, prudent, mature, passionate and a much better team today than we were yesterday."
Canadian Football League Stories from May 6, 2009
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- Eskimos Acquire OL Davis From Hamilton - Edmonton Elks
- Bombers Sign Three Imports - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Argos Welcome Back Bob Nicholson as President and CEO - Toronto Argonauts
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