Canada Soccer today announced several key updates to its senior leadership team, including timelines surrounding the appointment of its new General Secretary and Head Coach of the Canada Soccer Men’s National Team.
Following an extensive request for proposals (RFP) process, Canada Soccer’s Board of Directors has selected global regulatory consulting firm, Korn Ferry, to head the search for Canada Soccer’s new Secretary General. A search for the federation’s chief operating officer is currently underway and is expected to be appointed by the end of this year.
“Given Korn Ferry’s impressive global footprint and recent high-profile positions in sports in Canada, we are thrilled to be working with Korn Ferry and have every confidence in their ability to immediately begin the work required to fill such a critical role in our organization.” — charmaine crocs, President of Canada Football.
The Board of Directors also made the decision to fill the position of coach of the men’s national team after appointing a new Secretary-General.
Mauro Bello, who was most recently an assistant coach under John Herdman since 2018, will remain interim coach until a new permanent coach is in place. Bellew is also a former Canadian international and was the head coach of the Montreal Impact from 2015-2017.
Bellew, who was named interim coach of the Men’s National Team program on August 28, 2023, spent the first few weeks filling vacancies on his coaching staff and communicating with members of the Men’s National Team. Canada continues to prepare for its next international friendly match against FIFA No. 20 ranked Japan on October 13, 2023.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I want to thank Jason and the entire Canadian Soccer Board for their support and trust. I am truly honored to be able to take on this coaching role as we head into an important qualification period for the 2024 Copa America for our men’s program. — Mauro Bellointerim head coach of the men’s national team.
Canada Soccer also announced today the appointment of Paolo Senra as the organization’s new Chief Communications and Content Officer, where he will be responsible for overall strategic direction and day-to-day operations.
“Paolo has worked alongside some of the largest national and global sports, entertainment and consumer brands. Adding a communicator and storyteller of his caliber to our organization will make a real impact, as we continue to build and modernize our organization. — Jason DeVosInterim General Secretary of the Canadian Football Association.
Most recently, Senra helped found an esports and gaming company, OverActive Media, and helped take the company public on the TSX. He also served as Head of Public Relations at DAZN, where he collaborated with major sports organizations such as the NFL, MLS and UEFA. Prior to these roles, Senra contributed to CFL success including three Gray Cups, and worked for the Canadian Olympic Committee, where he amplified the stories of Olympians at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics and in the lead-up to the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games. games.
“With the upcoming World Cup on home soil, identifying and sharing the stories behind our game, programs and players from grassroots to national teams will take on increasing importance. Canada Soccer has quickly become one of our country’s most exciting global sports brands, and it is an absolute honor to take over the This role. I look forward to working alongside this dedicated and exceptional group of individuals. — Paolo SenraChief Communications and Content Officer, Soccer Canada.
