Canadian Olympic Committee names two top executives to its team

Kristina Schaefer named Executive Director, Partnerships; Marc-André Plouffe named Executive Director, Communications

TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Olympic Committee named the newest member of its executive team, Kristina Schaefer, who joins the organization as Executive Director, Partnerships, effective October 6, 2014. Marc-André Plouffe also joined as Executive Director, Communications, effective in August 2014. Both will report to the Chief Marketing Officer, Derek Kent.

"We are heading into an important period in the COC's growth, so the team is excited to add two seasoned and talented individuals to our partnerships and communications team," said Chris Overholt, CEO, Canadian Olympic Committee. "Kristina and Marc-André have extensive experience in their respective fields which will be of great benefit to our organization."

"Kristina's extensive Olympic business leadership experience and Marc‑André's veteran communications background will be outstanding assets to our partners and our teams," said Kent. "We are pleased to be adding such significant talent as we look forward to TORONTO 2015 and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games."

Kristina has vast Olympic business leadership experience, having directed and developed multi-faceted marketing programs and sponsorships around eight Olympic Games including Vancouver, Salt Lake City and Beijing. She most recently worked at Teneo, a New York-based boutique CEO-advisory firm as Managing Director of the company's sports practice. Prior to Teneo, Kristina served over 15 years at IMG, departing as Senior Vice President, Global Olympic Consulting.  

"I am excited and honoured to continue my work with the Olympic Movement by joining the Canadian Olympic Committee," said Schaefer. "I look forward to serving our athletes and the great partners who help make their journeys to the podium possible."

Schaefer holds a Masters of Business Administration from John Carroll University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Indiana University.

Mr. Plouffe is a sports enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in communications. He started his career as a journalist and editor for CBC/Radio-Canada where he oversaw national and international television news. He then moved to the federal government, first as the press secretary of the Minister of Industry and then as a senior advisor and speechwriter to the Prime Minister of Canada. He took part actively in two winning federal election campaigns, in 2008 and 2011. Most recently, he was the chief of staff to a federal cabinet minister. 

"Supporting our athletes is a privilege and I am excited to join the Canadian Olympic Committee," added Plouffe. "Our athletes and our National Sport Federations are all making us very proud, and I look forward to leading the great work of the communications team in promoting their achievements."

Plouffe has both a Bachelor of Political Science and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Montreal.

About the Canadian Olympic Committee: 

The Canadian Olympic Committee leads the achievement of the Canadian Olympic Team's podium success and advances Olympic values in Canada. Independent and predominantly privately funded, the Canadian Olympic Committee delivers resources that Canada's elite athletes need to perform at their best and give their everything every day. The backbone of Canada's Olympic movement, the Canadian Olympic Committee works with National Sport Federations to prepare the Team for the Olympic, Youth Olympic and Pan American Games. By sharing our athletes' stories, we inspire all Canadians through the power of sport: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

SOURCE: Canadian Olympic Committee

Canadian Olympic Committee Media Office: Marc-André Plouffe, Executive Director, Communications, Tel: [phone], Cell: 416-428-0572, Email: [email protected]