Martin Richard Joins the Canadian Paralympic Committee as Executive Director, Communications and Marketing

OTTAWA, May 30, 2012 /CNW/ - It is with great delight that the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) welcomes Martin Richard into the position, of Executive Director, Communications and Marketing. With 12 years' experience working in senior positions in the field of Communications and Marketing, including the past 10 as the Director of Communications of Swimming Canada, Richard brings a diversified wealth of skills as it relates to media and public relations, broadcast, digital media, strategic planning, corporate communications and branding.

Richard, recently named Swimming World Magazine's 2012 Sport Information Director of the Year, will join the CPC's senior management team and be responsible for maximizing the awareness of Canadian Paralympic Teams and Paralympic sport in Canada as the organization continues towards its vision of becoming the world's leading Paralympic nation.

"The Canadian Paralympic Committee is excited to welcome Martin to the Canadian Paralympic Team," said Henry Storgaard, CEO and Secretary General. "He is an energetic, strategic thinker with a strong background in broadcast and social media who will provide leadership to the growth of the Paralympic Movement. These attributes were ably demonstrated during the highly successful Olympic & Paralympic Swim Trials in Montreal earlier this year."

In his new role Richard will be responsible for overseeing public relations, market research, digital marketing, social media, media relations, brand, and marketing while building strong relationships with members, partners and sponsors to further common goals.

"The loss to swimming is a tremendous gain to Canada and the Canadian Paralympic movement," said Pierre Lafontaine, CEO- National Coach of Swimming Canada. "He is tireless advocate for the athletes and the coaches and he will help position the Canadian Paralympic Committee and its members on the front pages for the world to see."

For a decade, Richard has worked as the Director of Communications for Swimming Canada, developing and implementing marketing and communications tactics that support and align with the strategic goals and values of the organization. During this time he secured long-term national broadcast partnerships, launched SwimCan Web TV, and spearheaded the development of a PSA campaign to educate Canadians about drowning prevention.

He begins his tenure with the CPC August 20, 2012 upon completion of his duties with Swimming Canada at the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games.

"I'm very excited about this opportunity to join the Canadian Paralympic Committee and help build on the momentum which started with a home Games in Vancouver in 2010," said Richard. "The Paralympic Movement in Canada is entering into a golden age and to be a part of that is an incredibly exciting prospect. I'm truly grateful for the wonderful years with Swimming Canada in working with outstanding athletes, coaches, partners, staff and volunteers."

Fully bilingual, Richard has been a part of three Olympic Games, four World Championships, two Commonwealth Games, and one Pan American Games.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 46 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee's vision is to be the world's leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca.

Mark Dottori
Director, Marketing and Communications
Canadian Paralympic Committee
Tel: [phone] ext. 242
Cell: 613-294-5961
[email protected] 

Alison Korn
Manager, Media Relations
Canadian Paralympic Committee
Tel: [phone] ext. 243
Cell: 613-298-4927
[email protected]