Stampeders owners CSEC hires new leadership as John Bean steps down as president

Photo: Larry MacDougal/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) has named Robert Hayes as its new president and CEO and Lorenzo DeCicco as its new COO.

John Bean, who has served as CSEC’s president and CEO for almost 15 years, informed the organization of his decision to step down last year. He was involved in the process of filling his role and creating the new position of COO.

CSEC, which has owned the controlling interest of the Calgary Stampeders since 2012, also owns the Calgary Flames, the Calgary Wranglers of the American Hockey League, the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League, and the Calgary Roughnecks of the National Lacrosse League. The group also manages Saddledome Arena in Calgary.

The organization was successful in getting a new arena for the Flames built as part of the Calgary Event Centre, which was announced last year. The facility is expected to open in 2027, well over a decade after the team initially sought funding for a new venue.

Jay McNeil, who became the president of the Stampeders earlier this year, touted CSEC’s leadership in an exclusive interview with 3DownNation, though he believes a new stadium is necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the team.

Hayes has spent over 35 years in banking and worked across Canada and the United States before spending the past two decades in Calgary. The native of Halifax, N.S. previously served as a managing director with the Royal Bank of Canada and is active in the community, serving on boards for the Calgary Film Centre, Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre, and Wood’s Homes Society.

DeCicco most recently served as the chief commercial officer with MET Brand Agency and Metropolitan Fine Printers in Vancouver, B.C. He was previously the president of Cavalry FC, Calgary’s team in the Canadian Premier League, and served on the board of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and Calgary Foothills Soccer Club.

Hayes and DeCicco will start their new roles with CSEC on June 3, 2024 with Bean staying on in an advisory role to help with the new facility.

The Stampeders will open the 2024 regular season on Friday, June 7 when they host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at McMahon Stadium.