Canadiens announce management restructuring
Friday, 01.21.2011 / 7:04 PM / News NHL.com

Montreal Canadiens owner and chairman of the board of directors Geoff Molson on Friday announced a restructuring at the management level that will lead to the creation of the position of chief operating officer.

This reorganization is an integral part of the transition process that will ultimately see Geoff Molson assume the presidency of the Montreal Canadiens on July 1. Pierre Boivin will remain team president until June 30.

The recruiting process to fill the new position of COO has begun. This appointment will result in a new structure within the marketing and sales department. Ray Lalonde, the Canadiens’ vice president and chief sales and marketing officer, will be leaving his duties effective Friday, with Geoff Molson taking over his responsibilities on an interim basis. Lalonde will remain with the organization as an adviser to. Molson until Feb. 25.

“We have decided to reevaluate the responsibilities within our management team and, as a result, create a new position of chief operating officer for that person to assist me in my new role,” Molson said in a statement. “Since joining the Montreal Canadiens back in 2001, Ray has played a key role in the development of the organization and the growth of our fan base and their renewed passion for the team. He was an important contributor to the success of our Centennial celebrations and his outstanding achievement made us all very proud. We are very grateful to him for his work until now and we are pleased to be able to benefit from his expertise as an adviser.”

(Graphic: Getty Images)