Copeland Named CFL Prez and COO

 

Commissioner Mark Cohon announced today that Michael Copeland has been named President and Chief Operating Officer of the Canadian Football League.

"During his first seven years with the CFL, Mike's dedication, business acumen and leadership have had a large influence on the success our league has experienced," said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon. "Now, with the strongest foundation the league has had in decades, and with this continuity in leadership, we are strongly positioned to take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead."

In his new role as President and Chief Operating Officer, Copeland will be responsible for the League's strategic and business operations. Within those responsibilities, he will work closely with Commissioner Cohon on building the business for the future.

"I am very grateful to the CFL Board of Governors and Commissioner Cohon for their support and recognition," said Copeland. "But most of all, I am excited to continue to be a part of this team that is taking this league to new heights. We are at a very exciting time in the CFL's history with a tremendous opportunity to build this league for the next 100 years."
Copeland was originally hired in 2006 as the CFL's chief operating officer. During his tenure, he has led several key initiatives for the CFL including a comprehensive new broadcast and digital rights agreement, the establishment of a new salary cap system, a new collective bargaining agreement with CFL players, which included the introduction of the CFL's first drug testing policy, and the return of CFL football to Ottawa.

Previously, Copeland held strategic business development and marketing roles within Molson Coors Brewing Company. Prior to Molson, Copeland spent three years with The Boston Consulting Group as a Senior Consultant with a focus on corporate strategy development.

Copeland also worked with Deloitte Consulting in Sydney, Australia as a Senior Consultant and practiced corporate and commercial law with Blake, Cassels & Graydon in Toronto and Harrison, Elwood in London, Ontario.

Copeland has a law degree from the University of Western Ontario (1993) and an MBA from Western's Ivey School of Business (1999).
Michael is a recipient of the prestigious Caldwell Partners/Globe & Mail "Canada's Top 40 Under 40" award.