B.C. Lions to hire Duane Vienneau as COO, will become team president in 2023

Photo courtesy: B.C. Lions

The B.C. Lions have appointed Duane Vienneau as the club’s new chief operating officer, effective August 2. He will take over as the team’s president following the 2022 season when Rick LeLacheur retires.

“Duane will be a terrific addition to the Lions team and I look forward to working with him during the transition,” said LeLacheur in a statement.

Vienneau currently serves as the CFL’s chief Grey Cup and events officer, a role he has held since 2019. He has previously served as the executive director of the Grey Cup organizing committee in Edmonton (2017-18), the Edmonton Football Team’s vice-president of marketing and game operations (2011-12), and the executive director of the Grey Cup organizing committee in Edmonton (2009-11).

“I have gotten to know Duane through his work as chief Grey Cup & events officer with the CFL. With his football background, energy and passion and focus on revenue enhancement programs, he will be a great leader of the Lions,” said owner Amar Doman.

“Rick had advised me some time ago that if a suitable replacement could be found by the end of the 2022 season, it would be an ideal time to affect a smooth transition for the team and a new president.”

Vienneau will join the Lions on August 2, 2022. Until then he will be fulfilling his commitment to the CFL and the execution of Touchdown Atlantic on July 16, 2022 in Wolfville, N.S.

“I am excited to be appointed chief operating officer and I look forward to working with Amar, Rick and the Lions team as we continue to build the legacy of this storied franchise,” said Vienneau.