Hockey Canada names former Curling Canada exec Katherine Henderson as president, CEO

Hockey Canada is appointing Katherine Henderson as its next president and chief executive officer.

She spent the last seven years as Curling Canada’s CEO.

Hockey Canada is coming off a scandal-filled year related to the national sport organization’s handling of sexual assault allegations and settlement payouts.

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Federal and corporate funding was slashed as scandals mounted. Public faith in the organization took a significant hit.

The board of directors resigned last October along with interim board chair Andrea Skinner. President and CEO Scott Smith also left the organization.

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Retired judge Hugh L. Fraser was later named Hockey Canada’s new chair and a new board of directors was named. Henderson will begin her new role on Sept. 4.

During her time with Curling Canada, Henderson led many initiatives including pay equity for Canada’s men’s and women’s curling teams, and drove a financial turnaround of the organization’s business model. She is also the co-chair of the Winter Caucus of Sport (Canadian Winter Olympic and Paralympic Sports).

“The future of hockey is limitless,” said Henderson. “As a winter sport nation, with a long tradition in our ice and snow sports, playing and watching hockey is undeniably a part of who we are as Canadians. I am looking forward to working with our board and staff, our athletes, our Members and local associations, our corporate and hockey partners, and our fans and participants to ensure that all Canadians have a personal hockey experience that is right for them.”