Janet Riopel
Engaged to Lead Community Consultation Program
EDMONTON
,
Dec. 17
/CNW/ - The Katz Group of companies has appointed J. Robert (Bob) Black, Q.C., as Executive Vice
President Sports
and Entertainment.
Mr. Black
's primary role will be to manage the continued development of the company's sports and entertainment business, including the proposed development of an entertainment and sports district in downtown
Edmonton
.
The Katz Group's sports and entertainment business includes the
Edmonton
Oilers Hockey Club (NHL), the
Edmonton
Oil Kings (WHL), an AHL franchise, the
Edmonton
Capitals of the Golden Baseball League, and Aquila Productions (www.aquila.ca), one of Canada's leading event and production companies.
"Bob's leadership qualities, sound judgment and passion will be great assets as we build our sports and entertainment business. He will also lead the Katz Group's efforts as we work towards our goal of developing a new entertainment and sports district in
Edmonton
," said
Daryl Katz
, Chairman of the Katz Group.
Mr. Black
joins the Katz Group following 25 years with Brownlee LLP, a highly regarded Alberta law firm based in
Edmonton
. During his tenure,
Mr. Black
led Brownlee's litigation department and sat for many years on the firm's management committee. A partner at the firm for the last 20 years,
Mr. Black
was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2005 and is a former sessional instructor at the University of
Alberta Law
School. He is a member of the
Alberta Bar
Association and the NWT Bar Association.
"This is a great time for
Edmonton
and for the Katz Group to build its sports and entertainment business," said
Mr. Black
. "With the opportunity to use the Oilers as the anchor tenants for a new entertainment district in the heart of our city, we think we can play an important role in helping to make downtown
Edmonton
a great place to live, work and play."
"My immediate priorities are to build out the team that will move this project forward from our end, and to begin the process of engaging in a broader community dialogue,"
Mr. Black
added. "In this regard, I am very pleased that
Janet Riopel
has agreed to lead our communications and community consultation program. Janet has deep roots in the community and great experience with complex, multi-stakeholder projects like this one."
Janet Riopel
has had a multi-faceted career, including 20 years working in the land development industry. Her volunteer contributions include Campaign Chair for United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, Board Chair of MacEwan College, Board Chair of the
Edmonton
Chamber of Commerce, and President of the Urban Development Institute Alberta.
About Katz Group
Founded by
Daryl Katz
in 1990 and headquartered in
Edmonton
, Katz Group is one of Canada's largest privately-owned companies with operations in the pharmacy, sports & entertainment, and real estate development sectors. In addition to the company's North American pharmacy operations, which operate primarily under the Rexall, Pharma Plus, Guardian, I.D.A. and Medicine Shoppe banners, Katz Group owns the
Edmonton
Oilers (NHL),
Edmonton
Oil Kings (WHL), an AHL franchise and the
Edmonton
Capitals of the Golden Baseball League, as well as Aquila Productions, one of Canada's leading entertainment and event companies. Through its wholly-owned C&H group of companies, the Katz Group is involved in land assembly, site and building development, and the operation of multiple development projects in
Canada
and the US.
For further information: Media Contact: Janet Riopel, Cell (780) 446-0137, [email protected]
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