Edmonton Eskimos Announce President & CEO Len Rhodes Will Not Seek Another Term
February 11, 2019 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release
(Edmonton) - Today, Brad Sparrow, Chair of the Board of Directors and Len Rhodes, President & CEO of the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club, jointly announce that Len Rhodes will not be seeking another term. Both the Edmonton Eskimo Board of Directors and Len have mutually agreed that it is in the best interests of the organization to allow Len to depart on February 20, 2019.
Board Chair, Brad Sparrow, said, "During Len's seven-year tenure leading this organization, he has made significant contributions and has brought considerable success to this team and the city. His hard work, perseverance and commitment to the team and the community have been admirable, and our Board of Directors wish to thank Len for his positive contributions."
"2019 was scheduled to be the final year of my Eskimos contract," said Len Rhodes. "Through the course of several recent conversations, it became clear to me that I want to pursue other opportunities. The Board and I felt it would be best if I left the organization now rather than at the end of 2019 to allow the football club to establish a plan to move forward. I will forever cherish my experience with this community-owned organization."
Len Rhodes leaves the Eskimos organization after serving as Co-Chair of the 2018 CFL Grey Cup, acknowledged by many as being the most successful Grey Cup Festival in history. The Grey Cup event, which took place in Edmonton this past November, established a new benchmark for success.
In addition:
Under Len Rhodes' guidance, the team holds a winning record of 68 wins and 58 losses, 12 playoff game appearances and a Grey Cup championship in 2015.
The Edmonton Eskimos travelled to Fort McMurray in 2015 to play 'Northern Kickoff' - the most northern game ever played in CFL history.
Rhodes was the driving force behind the automation of the Eskimos 50/50 program on game day and, as a result, record revenues flow back to amateur football in Edmonton.
The naming of the Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium brought significant partnership revenue to the organization.
Len has been highly engaged and active in the community throughout his tenure, including serving as Chair of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce in 2018.
Other notable accomplishments include:
The Eskimos 14th Grey Cup championship in 2015.
Guiding the organization in achieving record revenues.
Establishing a record for strong business performance and a stellar reputation for achieving targets.
Significant capital upgrades at Commonwealth Stadium which will serve Edmonton fans well into the future.
The creation of strategic partnerships to engage the greater Edmonton community, corporations and businesses to ensure the community ownership of the Eskimos is recognized and acknowledged.
Served as Alternate Governor of the CFL, standing member of CFL Management Council and participated on numerous committees.
Rhodes joined the Edmonton Eskimos as President and CEO in 2011 and will remain in his position until February 20, 2019.
Len Rhodes added, "I want to thank all of the dedicated and hardworking Eskimos staff, players, coaches, all past and present members of the Board of Directors, Alumni, media partners, and every fan who has made this such an incredible experience."
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Canadian Football League Stories from February 11, 2019
- Eskimos Extend Five - Edmonton Elks
- Ese Mrabure Remains in Calgary - Calgary Stampeders
- Two-Time CFL All-Star Breaux Sr. Re-Signs with Tiger-Cats to Three-Year Contract - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Bryan Burnham to Remain a Lion, Signs Two-Year Deal - B.C. Lions
- Alouettes Extend Jean-Samuel Blanc for Two Seasons - Montreal Alouettes
- Offensive Guard Hunter Steward Re-Signs with Lions - B.C. Lions
- National Linebacker Sam Hurl Signs Extension - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Edmonton Eskimos Announce President & CEO Len Rhodes Will Not Seek Another Term - Edmonton Elks
- Argos Re-Sign National DL Jeff Finley - Toronto Argonauts
- Tiger-Cats Re-Sign Linebacker Lawrence to a Two-Year Contract - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
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