Skate Canada is the country’s preeminent leader in figure skating, inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the joy of skating. As the oldest and largest figure skating organization in the world, it advances participation, inclusion, and excellence through more than 1,000 clubs and schools, engaging 210,000 registrants and 6,700 coaches nationwide. With the support of a dedicated staff of about 50 employees and an annual budget exceeding $20 million, Skate Canada fosters thriving national skating community. A proud member of the International Skating Union (ISU), it drives athlete development from grassroots to the world stage, strengthening communities and celebrating Canadian success at home and abroad.
As the organization looks ahead, Skate Canada is seeking an accomplished and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the next chapter of its evolution and strengthen the sport’s position as one of Canada’s most prominent on the global stage. Reporting to a national Board of Directors, the CEO will bring strategic focus, operational excellence, and sound governance to every dimension of the organization, from programming and performance to partnerships, marketing, communications, and organizational culture. This is a defining opportunity for an ambitious, innovative, and forward-looking executive to shape the future of Canadian skating and expand its influence nationally and internationally.
Guiding a talented executive team and a dedicated staff of fifty, the CEO will champion innovation, collaboration, and a forward-looking mindset that expands participation, enhances competitive performance, and deepens community impact. They will lead the creation and execution of a bold new quadrennial Strategic Plan in collaboration with the Board and key stakeholders, setting clear priorities and measurable goals that drive the organization’s next phase of growth and success. They will bring a strategic and modern approach to strengthening Skate Canada’s overall sustainability by advancing partnerships, sponsorships, marketing, and digital engagement initiatives that enhance visibility and support the organization’s long-term goals. As the lead ambassador for the organization, the CEO will represent Skate Canada with vision and integrity, building trusted relationships with Sport Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee, Own the Podium, and the International Skating Union. Through dynamic leadership and a commitment to good governance, the CEO will foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and trust across the organization.
The ideal candidate is a strategic and values-driven leader with the presence and credibility to elevate the sport and the organization. Passionate about sport and its power to unite and inspire, the successful candidate is collaborative in approach, resilient and adaptable, and motivated by growth and impact, with the ability to cultivate partnerships and leverage marketing and digital tools to broaden engagement. They are an engaging and empowering leader who influences at the highest levels and builds enduring relationships with stakeholders across the sport system and beyond. They have a proven record of strategic leadership, sound financial stewardship, and governance excellence, along with experience overseeing enterprise risk and leveraging technology to strengthen operations. Inclusive and team-oriented, they foster a culture grounded in trust and shared purpose. Experience within sport, recreation, or membership-based systems is considered an asset, as is bilingualism in both English and French. A meaningful in-person presence is an important aspect of the role, with Ottawa, where Skate Canada is headquartered, as the preferred location.
Timeline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; however, candidates are encouraged to apply by December 5, 2025, for priority consideration, while applications will continue to be accepted into the new year.
To apply for this position, please submit your application and related materials to Alain Pescador (apescador@boyden.com). Please include “Skate Canada CEO” in the subject line of your email. We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.
Skate Canada is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible work environment. We welcome applications from individuals who reflect the communities we serve, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those from LGBTQ2S+ communities.