Ex-MLSE exec takes charge of Olympic entity on interim basis

Robin Brudner was hired by the Canadian Olympic Committee two years ago to drive change in its corporate culture. The 55-yearold from Toronto will now lead the organization on an interim basis as its chief executive with Chris Overholt stepping down after seven years as CEO.

Overholt has accepted a leadership role with another organization, the COC said Wednesday in a statement. That organization is expected to make its own announcement soon.

Brudner spent almost 18 years working for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, eventually rising to the position of executive vicepresident and general counsel.

She was the first female general counsel in the NBA and often the only woman in the boardroom while MLSE built its massive sports empire.

Brudner was the MLSE representative in the 2011 sale of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan’s majority ownership share in MLSE to Bell and Rogers, a $1.32-billion transaction. Brudner has yet to decide if she’ll put her name forth as a candidate for the CEO position going forward.

“The permanent position is one I will think about once we transition,” Brudner said. “It’s too big an opportunity for me to make that decision without really giving it consideration.”

Under Overholt, Canada posted its best medal total at a Winter Olympics in February with 29 medals, including 11 gold. Canada’s 22 medals, including four gold, at the 2016 Summer Games equalled the country’s best performance at a non-boycotted games.

During his tenure, the COC instituted the Game Plan program that helps athletes transition from their competitive careers into the professional realm.

Brudner has a law degree, but said sports and entertainment were always her professional ambition.