The Edmonton Elks named Rick LeLacheur the Interim President and CEO on Tuesday. LeLacheur will begin his duties effective immediately. This move comes after the Elks parted ways with President and CEO Victor Cui one week ago. The 51-year-old was hired in January 2022 to succeed Chris Presson, who was fired following the 2021 season.
He will guide the Elks until a new president is named before the end of the 2023 season. LeLacheur rejoins the Elks after spending five seasons as the President and CEO of the B.C. Lions from 2018 until his retirement after the 2022 season.
Last year, he was given the Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award, which is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated great leadership and made significant contributions to the CFL.
“Over the years I’ve been rewarded with great memories and friendships from my time working in the CFL, including during my decade as President and CEO in Edmonton. I was humbled when I was approached with this opportunity, as it’s a chance for me to repay in some small way everything the Green and Gold has given me over the years,” said LeLacheur.
“My wife Joan and I are excited to rejoin the EE family and play a part in positioning the Club for future success.”
LeLacheur previously enjoyed a decade of success as the Elks (then Eskimos) President and CEO from 2002 to 2011, helping the Eskimos win two Grey Cup championships in 2003 and 2005. In addition, he helped host a pair of highly successful Grey Cup Festivals in 2002 and 2010 including serving as an alternate on the CFL Board of Governors as well as chairman of the CFL’s Audit Committee and a member of the league’s Executive Committee.
Before LeLacheur began his tenor with the Eskimos, he helped enhance the Edmonton community through his work as President and CEO of Economic Development Edmonton (1992-98) and president of the organizing committee for the 2001 World Championships in Athletics hosted at Commonwealth Stadium.
As we began the process of searching for an interim President and CEO, Rick’s name was at the top of our list. His tremendous passion for the Club, proven track record, and the respect he holds from his peers across the CFL made him the perfect candidate. He’s the right person to lead our staff during this pivotal period in the Club’s history,” said Edmonton Elks Football Club Board of Directors Chair Tom Richards.
The Elks (1-9) take on the Ottawa Redblacks (3-7) this Sunday from Commonwealth Stadium at 7 pm on CBS Sports Network. American and Canadian viewers can subscribe to Fubo today to watch all of the 2023 CFL Season.
