CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Lyle Bauer Resigns As President & CEO of Bombers

Published on December 17, 2009 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release


WINNIPEG, MB - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers announce today that President and CEO Lyle Bauer has resigned after ten seasons with the club. Bauer leaves the Winnipeg Football Club with a record of 90-88-2 as the President & CEO. The team made the postseason seven of the ten seasons Bauer was at the helm, advancing to the Grey Cup in 2001 and 2007. The club hosted five playoff games and one Grey Cup at Canad Inns Stadium during Bauer's tenure.

Bauer took over the franchise in 2000 and one of his first tasks as leader was to implement a strategic business plan that would guide the club on the path to success. That plan not only set the stage on which the football club staff could perform, it also created an environment in which Manitoba businesses could once again feel confident in investing in the Blue Bombers.

Significant fundraising and debt-reduction strategies have also been a hallmark of Bauer's leadership. At the time of his hiring the football club was more than $5 million in debt. Following the success of the past couple of seasons, the football club is in the black financially and is now regarded as a model of fiscal responsibility.

"I am very appreciative of the time I have been able to spend with this organization and extremely proud of the progress which has been made since the turn of the millennium", Bauer said.

"Together we have achieved financial stability, embarked on new business initiatives, and have presented a plan for a new stadium". We have also had on field success in participating in the post season, hosting of playoff games, and appearing in the Grey Cup Championship Game twice in addition to hosting one of the best Grey Cup Festivals in recent history".

"We are extremely thankful and appreciative of Lyle's dedication and commitment to this franchise over the past ten years. He has made significant sacrifices both professionally and personally to do the best job possible for the Winnipeg Football Club, and for that we are very grateful, said Chairman of the board Ken Hidahl.

"We wish Lyle and his family the best in his future endeavors".

Effectively immediately, Jim Bell, V.P. of Finance and Administration with the Winnipeg Football Club will be the interim President.

The board will be conducting a national search for a new President and CEO.

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