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At FanXP, we want to showcase the industry leaders and experts who have graced sport stages in the past and those who are doing it right now. Our events provide a unique opportunity for attendees to hear from top professionals in the sport business industry, covering a range of sports including basketball, hockey, football, golf, baseball, and soccer and many more.
RAY LALONDE
Global Sports Business Expert
Ray Lalonde is one of the most recognizable sports business industrialists in Canada. His career spans over 37 years in amateur and professional sports on a global basis. He started his career as a football coach in the NCAA at Penn State University before jumping to pro football as a team administrator with NFL Europe (formerly World League of American Football). He joined the NBA in late 1992 in New York before opening the European headquarters of the League in Geneva, Switzerland and Paris, France. He returned to North America in 2001 and became the Chief Marketing Officer of the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL where he elevated the team’s commercial success to unprecedented levels. He was the architect of the acclaimed Canadiens Centennial celebrations from 2005-2009. In 2011, he became President and CEO of the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes leading an urgent financial turnaround of the franchise. He has since been a strategic consultant with the Canadian Olympic Committee, the CHL and various traditional corporations in Quebec. He is a regular keynote speaker for businesses looking to emulate successful parallels in the sports business. Finally, he is a popular sports media analyst breaking down the intricacies of the sports industry on multiple networks and platforms in Canada making over 500 appearances annually since 2014.
YANICK BOUCHARD
Host, Le 5à7 RDS
Native of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Yanick began his career at RDS in 1998 as a host for Radio des Sports and a reporter-writer for Sports 30 Mag. After three years with Radio-Canada, Yanick embarked on a second stint at RDS in October 2001, this time as an editor and newsreader for Sports 30 weekend edition. He served as the main anchor for RIS (RDS Info) during its initial 18 months of existence. Following a period hosting the 10 PM Sports 30 bulletin, he returned to RIS in 2009 as the co-host of 4 à 7 (which became Le 5 à 7). Since then, he has co-hosted the show on weekdays with his steadfast colleague, Frédéric Plante. Yanick also led the program La Ligue en question from 2004 to 2010 and served as the anchor for the Vancouver and London Olympic Games. He continues his role as the host of NHL hockey games on RDS. You can also catch Yanick Bouchard hosting the show L'Antichambre.
STÉPHANE VERRET
Director, Hockey Development, Montreal Canadiens
Stéphane Verret has been with the Montreal Canadiens for a quarter of a century. His impressive career path in the sales department, luxury suites sales and service, marketing, event management, and currently as director of Minor Hockey Development has provided him with a broad level of expertise inside a professional sports team. Stéphane oversees many youth hockey programs including the Canadiens Hockey School, a flagship program that he has led to great success. His leadership was also essential in the organization of Canadiens-affiliated youth hockey camps in Montreal, Quebec and even in Switzerland. His longevity and versatility within the organization makes him a highly appreciated and respected member. Indeed, Stéphane has a very positive reputation across the 32 teams of the NHL. He’s often called upon to share his experience in the management of youth hockey programs with other NHL clubs. Throughout his career, StÉphane has frequently recruited and hired young emerging talent to fill entry-level roles within the organization.
MARTINE ST-VICTOR
Communications strategist, General manager at EDELMAN, Columnist at La Presse, Montreal Gazette and Radio-Canada
Martine St-Victor is a communications strategist and general manager of Edelman's Montreal office. The communications firm has more than 60 offices around the world. Martine also sits on various boards of directors, including those of the Fondation du Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie, and the IRPP (Institute for Research in Public Policy). She is also a member of the IWF (International Women’s Forum) and vice-president of its Quebec chapter. Omnipresent in the media and passionate about sports, she regularly contributes to the Montreal Gazette, La Presse, Radio-Canada and the CBC. Born in Quebec, Martine St-Victor remains deeply attached to her Haitian roots. It’s a proximity that fuels many of its commitments and initiatives.
GILLES COURTEAU
Commissionner of the QMJHL (1986-2023) / Former Vice President of the Canadian hockey league
Gilles Courteau is a former Canadian ice hockey administrator who served as the commissioner of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) from 1986 to 2023 and as vice-president of the Canadian Hockey League. Under his leadership, the QMJHL expanded from 10 to 18 teams, including those in Atlantic Canada. He implemented educational and support programs for players and made English the language of instruction in the league to better prepare players for professional levels. Before presiding over the QMJHL, Courteau began his career as a statistician for the Trois-Rivières Draveurs and held various positions, including general manager of the Quebec Remparts and public relations officer for the Quebec Nordiques. He was inducted into the Quebec Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016 for his significant contributions to junior major hockey. Notable achievements include the league's expansion into Atlantic Canada and the extension of QMJHL television rights. Courteau announced his retirement in December 2022, scheduled for May 2024. His legacy includes league expansion, educational reforms, and proactive management of player status and health policies. Courteau remains a respected figure in junior hockey, with a lasting impact due to his commitment to developing young athletes and his visionary leadership.