St. John’s Sports & Entertainment Ltd. Appoints Brent Meade as Chief Executive Officer

St. John’s, NL September 21, 2023 – St. John’s Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (SJSEL) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Brent Meade as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

“We are thrilled to welcome Brent Meade as our new CEO. The Board was highly impressed with Brent throughout the interview process and is excited for the future of our organization. His proven leadership, passion for our industry and community, and relevant experience will be invaluable in guiding St. John’s Sports & Entertainment through its next phase of growth and development,” said Stephen Dinn, Chair, SJSEL Board of Directors.

Brent is a proven executive leader with over 25 years experience in both the public and private sectors, with strengths in strategic planning, operations, financial and executive management, and stakeholder relations. Brent brings valuable experience having played leading roles in the attraction and hosting of significant events in the province and was a key member of the steering committee that led to the expansion of the St. John’s Convention Centre. Additional information on Brent Meade can be found in the backgrounder below.

Brent expressed enthusiasm about joining St. John’s Sports & Entertainment Ltd., stating, “I am honoured, and truly excited, to join the team at St. John’s Sports & Entertainment. I see so much opportunity for both the Mary Brown’s Centre and the St. John’s Convention Centre and am eager to work with the very capable team at SJSEL to reach new heights. We will work together with our valued partners and stakeholders to make a positive impact in our community.”

Brent will begin his tenure as SJSEL’s CEO on October 18, 2023, replacing outgoing CEO Jill Brewer. The Board of SJSEL extends their sincere appreciation to Ms. Brewer for her exceptional leadership and significant contributions to SJSEL over the last couple of years.
-30-

Media Inquiries:
Stephen Dinn, Chair, Board of Directors
St. John’s Sports & Entertainment Ltd.
P: 709-725-0027
E: SDinn@sjsel.ca

About SJSEL
St. John’s Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (SJSEL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the City of St. John’s with a mandate to operate exceptional facilities that provide value to citizens, businesses, and visitors by attracting events and activities that generate economic benefit and enhance community vibrancy through its world-class facilities – Mary Brown’s Centre and St. John’s Convention Centre.

BACKGROUNDER
Brent Meade

With a career spanning more than 25 years, Brent most recently held the position of Vice President, Care Partnerships with Seafair Capital. He has worked with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador where he held numerous executive positions including Deputy Minister with Tourism, Culture and Recreation, Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, Seniors Wellness and Social Development, and Transportation and Works.

At Seafair, Brent contributed to business development and growth through business planning, change management and strategic leadership. Brent’s work with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador included acting as the Provincial Government lead on major projects with external partners, such as the expansion of the St. John’s International Airport and St. John’s Convention Centre. Brent has been actively involved in a wide range of events, from major tourism gatherings such as Cabot 500 and Vikings! 1000 Years, to important protocol occasions like the Royal Visit in 1997. He led the development of the province’s first cultural plan, Creative Newfoundland, and Labrador (2006), as well as Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador: A Recreation and Sport Strategy (2007) and oversaw the development of Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador: A Blueprint for Prosperity (2010). He was instrumental in the efforts to attract significant events to the province, including the 2010 Junos. Collaborating closely with industry partners, Brent contributed to the formulation of, Uncommon Potential: A Vision for Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism (2009).

Meade holds a Bachelor of Arts Economics from Acadia University, and a Master Certificate in Project Management from York University (through Memorial University of Newfoundland). He has completed the Corporate Directors Program with the Institute of Corporate Directors, and DirEXion (Executive Development) with the Canadian Centre for Management Development.

Brent is an active community volunteer in the sport and cultural sectors, and presently holds the position of Chair for the Safe Sport Strategy Committee for the 2025 Canada Games.