Lesley Pincombe has been appointed President and CEO of The
Rogers Centre Ottawa, effective July 7th , having lobbied for its
construction more than 15 years ago.
Pincombe, who most recently served as VP Sales, Business,
and Major Events at Ottawa Tourism, said it felt as though she had been ‘given
the keys to a Lamborghini’.
“I remember being at the opening in 2011 and just having an
immense sense of pride that the capital had a proper place to meet. It was long
overdue. It was the newest kids on the block
– a leader in sustainability and technically very advanced – and it’s aging very
well.”
Pincombe, who was born in the city and spent her whole career there, will replace Nina Kressler who steps down on June
27th after a decade in the post.
She said leading the venue had been ‘the honour of my life’
and recalled winning the AIPC Best Venue in the World prize in 2020 and hosting
world leaders at INC4 were career highlights.
Pincombe has helped position Ottawa as a leading business
events and sport hosting destination. She played a key role in bringing the
2025 IIHF World Junior Championships to the City of Ottawa, which generated
over $54m in economic impact to the Province of Ontario.
She added: “I am incredibly proud to succeed Nina Kressler
and build upon the legacy and stewardship she has left at the Rogers Centre
Ottawa. Leading this extraordinary team forward is an honour, and I am
committed to continuing our work alongside our industry partners to attract
business events to Ottawa and grow the visitor economy.”
Jim Armour, chair of the Board, Rogers Centre Ottawa, said:
“Lesley brings a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of our industry,
and a bold vision for the future. Her leadership will be instrumental as we
continue to elevate the centre’s role as a premier destination for events and a
cornerstone of our community.”
Pincombe is a graduate of the Algonquin College Hospitality
Program and is a certified Convention and Event Planner. She has been
recognized as a Forty Under 40 award recipient, has served as Chair and Past
Chair of the Destination Canada Business Events Advisory Committee, and is an
Honourary Ambassador of the Bruyère Health Foundation Board. Most recently, she
was honoured with the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal for her outstanding
contributions to Canada.
Since opening in 2011, the centre
has hosted thousands of events, generating millions of dollars of economic
impact for the city of Ottawa and the province of Ontario.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
