Canadian Olympic Committee Adds Expertise to Communications Team

Veteran Public Relations Consultant Jean Gosselin to Lead Public Affairs

TORONTO, Aug. 19 /CNW/ - Canadian Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer, Jean R. Dupré, today announced the appointment of Jean Gosselin as Senior Advisor, Public Affairs. Gosselin will work out of the COC's Montreal office and report to Dupré and Chief Operating Officer, Chris Overholt, starting on August 23.

"Jean is an excellent addition to the COC," said Dupré. "He brings to the organization a unique blend of business and sport experience as well as a strong background in amateur sport consulting. As we continue to build a stronger corporate team, Jean will be instrumental in developing and nurturing key relationships within the Quebec and National sports, business and media community."

A seasoned professional in the field of communications, Gosselin served as a senior consultant while at NATIONAL Public Relations offering strategic counsel to many of the most prominent senior management teams and organisations in Canada.

He has developed an extensive personal and professional interest in sport over the years, serving athletes, sports organizations and events in differing capacities. He has also served directly as an executive to the Québec Ski Federation. In addition, he has offered his time and expertise, pro bono, to athletes, and to many boards and committees of sports organizations such as Sports-Quebec, Quebec Sports Hall of Fame, Gold Medal Club and a number of international events held in Québec.

"The Olympic Movement in Canada has never been the same, due in large part to the enormous success of the Canadian Team at the recent Vancouver Games," said Gosselin. "With the arrival of a new president, Marcel Aubut, a dynamic and visionary individual, and an experienced and determined leadership team in Jean R. Dupré and Chris Overholt, the COC is preparing for an exhilarating time in its history. As a passionate sports promoter, I couldn't imagine a better time or organization to join at this point in my career. I am very excited at the opportunity of contributing to the COC's new vision, Canadian sport and mostly assuredly our athletes."

Gosselin will work in collaboration with the Communications and Community Relations department in the development, planning and execution of a national communications strategy for the COC. He will lend his career expertise to the offices of the CEO, COO and President related to matters of corporate communication, sports marketing, crisis management, public affairs and athlete and media relations.

About the Canadian Olympic Committee

The Canadian Olympic Committee is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada's involvement in the Olympic Movement, including Canada's participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means. For news and information, visit the COC website at www.olympic.ca and find the team on both Facebook (Canadian Olympic Team) and Twitter (@CDN OlympicTeam).

For further information: Isabelle Hodge, Canadian Olympic Committee, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]