Runner-up to Jeffrey Orridge a strong candidate this time around

Back in March 2015 ,when Jeffrey Orridge was hired as CFL commissioner, the runner-up was former national offensive lineman Randy Ambrosie.

And with the search for a new man in that role ongoing, Ambrosie’s name has entered the fray once again.

The 54-year-old was selected in the first round, second overall by Calgary in the 1985 CFL draft out of the University of Manitoba. Ambrosie played nine seasons with the Stampeders, Argonauts and Eskimos combined, winning a Grey Cup championship while an Eskimo in 1993. At the end of his playing career, he served as secretary of the CFLPA for two years.

After retiring from pro football, Ambrosie entered the business world, becoming a president and/or CEO for three different companies: president AGF Management Limited (2004-2009), president and CEO Accretive 360 Inc. (2010-2012) and 3Macs president and CEO (2012-2016).

AGF is one of Canada’s premier investment companies, Accretive 360 Inc. designs and develops customized wealth management software while 3Macs was a respected investment firm founded before our countries federation in 1849, that dealt with $6 billion of client assets until it was purchased by Raymond James in 2016. Ambrosie was a special advisor to Raymond James after the sale.

That’s a major requirement for the board of governors when looking at candidates to be the next commissioner. They want a businessman who has experience with companies in excess of $100 million.