Per Squash Canada:
OTTAWA, ON (October 19, 2022) — The Board of Squash Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Roberts as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. Mark was the CEO of Tennis BC for 7 years where he developed a self-sustaining financial business model, including Tennis BC’s HUB operations, for the organization. Mark has exceptional knowledge of governance and a strong record in compliance and risk management within both private and non-profit organizations.
Mark played NCAA Division I tennis in Texas and represented Tennis Canada on the National U21 Team. Upon retiring from international competition, he continued to compete at high level tennis tournaments in BC and Canada. During this time, Mark also played at a high level in the Vancouver Squash League.
Mark’s successful income generation at Tennis BC ensured they were able to withstand revenue cuts during the Covid downturn but also grow revenue through the creation of the “HUB System” of tennis player development. He is a collaborator who values his relationships with stakeholders, sponsors, staff, and athletes.
Prior to working for Tennis BC, Mark worked in the hospitality industry building restaurant concepts from the ground up, eventually selling to Canadian (Cara Foods) and US (Landry’s) national entities, which resulted in profitable returns to seed funding investors. He has owned, managed, and consulted for many of the top hospitality brands in Canada and the US. He also has consulted for sports organizations focused on business and brand development. Mark’s background and skill set position him well to deliver on Squash Canada’s ambitious Strategic Plan.
He brings a wealth of experiences and successes from his entrepreneurial and sport backgrounds and will provide fresh and innovative ideas. In addition to an exceptional history in income generation, Mark is a strong mentor and developer of talent, which enabled former employees to succeed at senior management positions. Squash Canada is committed to retaining and developing its staff and looks forward to Mark helping personnel achieve their career goals.
The selection committee was composed of Steve Wren, Squash Canada past president, Lisa Henderson Squash Canada Director at Large and a human resource professional at Red Deer College, Faheem Gwadry, Squash Canada VP Finance, and Sandra Thompson, Squash Canada President. Sport Law, a leader in Canadian National Sport Organization governance and policy development, provided their expertise and guidance during the entire selection process from start to finish.
Mark will assume his duties on October 25th, which will provide crossover time with retiring Executive Director, Dan Wolfenden. He will be based out of Vancouver with regular visits to the national office in Ontario.
