According to multiple reports, Randy Ambrosie is expected to be named the 14th commissioner of the CFL.
Randy Ambrosie has been hired as the 14th commissioner of the #CFL, per sources. Expect presser announcement in coming days. #wfp
— Jeff Hamilton (@jeffkhamilton) June 29, 2017
Ambrosie takes over for Jerry Orridge, who held the position since March 2015. This past April, Orridge announced he would step down from his role because of different views with the board of governors regarding the future of the league. The first African-American chief executive of a major North American sports league’s last day was officially June 15th, when Jim Lawson took over the duties on a interim basis.
Now 54 years old, Ambrosie was selected second overall by the Calgary Stampeders in the 1985 CFL draft. He played as an offensive linesman from 1985 to 1993 for the Stamps, Toronto Argonauts, and Edmonton Eskimos. He captured one Grey Cup in 1993 with the Eskimos. For two years during his playing career, Ambrosie was secretary of CFL players’ association.
Ambroise’s career after his retirement was mostly in the financial sector. He worked as president and CEO of a couple of different companies, including AGF Management Limited from 2004 to 2009, Accretive 360 Inc from 2010 to 2012, and 3Macs.
The Winnipeg native was one of the final candidates last time around when Orridge was hired as the commissioner in 2015.
The CFL will hold a press conference in the coming days to officially announce their new commissioner.
