RELEASE: Nicholson named Chairman, Anselmi hired as President and COO

EDMONTON, AB - Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) announced today that Bob Nicholson will assume the new role of Chairman, Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club and that Tom Anselmi is hired as President, Business Operations and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club and ICE District.
These moves allow Nicholson to devote his energies to OEG's hockey franchises and growing sports business, while the addition of Anselmi brings significant management and operational leadership to day-to-day business operations.
As Chairman, Nicholson will be the senior leader of OEG's sports franchises, including the Edmonton Oilers, Edmonton Oil Kings and Bakersfield Condors, and will work closely with Katz Group CEO Jürgen Schreiber on expanding the OEG's global sports initiatives.
Edmonton Oilers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Ken Holland will report to Nicholson and will continue to have full autonomy over all aspects of Edmonton Oilers hockey operations. Nicholson will remain as Alternate Governor, representing the Edmonton Oilers to the National Hockey League and will be the primary liaison to Katz Group Chairman and Oilers owner Daryl Katz.
As President, Business Operations and COO, Anselmi will report to Katz Group CEO Jürgen Schreiber and be responsible for all aspects of OEG's day-to-day business operations. This will include OEG's facility management, operation and programming of Rogers Place, Ford Hall and ICE District Plaza, sales and marketing, guest experience, food and beverage, human resources and finance. Anselmi brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role and will also be responsible for the exciting opportunity to integrate Rogers Place and ICE District operations into one world-class experience for customers and fans.

"With Bob leading our hockey clubs and Tom leading our business operations, we have a powerhouse combination as we continue to build an elite organization in all aspects of what we do," said Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz. "This is an exciting time for our company and the city, and we are full of optimism about the Edmonton Oilers and ICE District hitting full stride in the very near future."
"We are excited to have Tom join OEG as our new President and COO, and for Bob to assume this important new role," said Katz Group CEO Jürgen Schreiber. "We are poised for significant growth in our sports and entertainment business as ICE District opens here in Edmonton and we have emerging new, global opportunities in front of us. We have a seasoned, top-notch management team and staff to deliver on Daryl's vision of OEG as a global leader in sports and entertainment."
"It is fantastic news for OEG and the city to have an executive of Tom's caliber coming to Edmonton," said Oilers Chairman Bob Nicholson. "This move will help us in all aspects of our operations - both in hockey and business. It also positions us for this exciting next chapter for the Oilers, Oil Kings, Condors, Oilers Entertainment Group and ICE District."
"I'm thrilled to be joining OEG. It's an honour to be asked to lead the business as we embark on an exciting new era for the team and the organization," said President, Business Operations and COO Tom Anselmi.
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Anselmi is an accomplished senior executive in the sports and entertainment industry. Prior to joining OEG, he was, most recently, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ottawa Senators of the NHL.
Prior to that, Anselmi was President and Chief Operating Officer of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment in Toronto. He originally joined MLSE in 1996 and was responsible for the overall development of Air Canada Centre. A passionate leader of people, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 1999 and President in 2012. Anselmi was a key member of the team that launched MLSE and built it into one of the world's most admired sports and entertainment organizations.
Prior to joining MLSE, Anselmi was Vice President, General Manager of Arena Operations for Canucks Sports and Entertainment in Vancouver. He spent a number of years at Toronto's Rogers Centre during the development of the facility and during its initial operating phase. Prior to his focus on sports and entertainment, he was involved in several major capital projects across North America in the mining sector.