Exhibition Place Board of Governors Announces New CEO

June 14, 2019

Don Boyle named Chief Executive Officer of Toronto’s Exhibition Place

TORONTO June 14, 2019 – After an extensive executive search, the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place is pleased to announce that Don Boyle has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of Exhibition Place.

Don joins Exhibition Place after spending twelve years as Chief Administrative Officer in Haldimand County, in South Western Ontario. Over his time there, Haldimand County achieved four credit rating upgrades by Standard and Poor’s and are now ranked 4th in in the Province of Ontario for their municipal financial health. Prior to working in Haldimand County, Don served nine years as Director of Parks, Forestry and Recreation for the City of Toronto from the onset of amalgamation in 1998.

“The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the overall management and leadership of this landmark 192 acre entertainment venue located along Toronto’s waterfront” said Mark Grimes, Chair, Board of Governors of Exhibition Place. “Don brings to this position an appreciation of the complexities, challenges and opportunities Exhibition Place faces and I look forward to working with him as we continue to build on our past successes. Don’s consensus building approach and stakeholder management skills will benefit Exhibition Place.”

“I am very excited to join the team at Exhibition Place,” said Mr. Boyle. “Toronto is now the fourth-largest city in North America and likely the most diverse and vibrant. Building on the success of Exhibition Place and its stakeholders while maximizing potential synergies with a redeveloped Ontario Place makes this position an incredible career opportunity I felt compelled to compete for.”

With new CEO at the helm, Exhibition Place will move ahead in alignment with the City of Toronto’s Master Plan Project, focusing on key development of the Exhibition Place grounds with a cultural and heritage preservation mindset. This year the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place will develop a 5-year Strategic Plan for the site. The forthcoming 2020–2025 Strategic Plan will establish goals and objectives to meet the emerging needs of Exhibition Place and its stakeholders, while the Master Plan will play a significant role in the future of Exhibition Place development and evolution. Both plans will work in conjunction with the on-going revitalization of Ontario Place.

2019 plans for development include the construction of a pedestrian skyway from Beanfield Centre to Hotel X allowing for fully integrated hotel and conference facilities on the grounds. This will continue to amplify Exhibition Place’s position as a sought after venue in the events, conference and trade show industries.

Exhibition Place is a leading destination for exhibitions, conventions, meetings and events – Toronto’s Gathering Place, and a contributor to the economic growth of the City of Toronto.

Don’s progressive leadership, extensive experience building longstanding relationships coupled with his entrepreneurial approach to public services will serve Exhibition Place well. He will assume the role August 12 and report to the Board of Exhibition Place.

About Exhibition Place

Exhibition Place is Canada’s largest entertainment and convention site, attracting over 5.5 million visitors a year. The 192-acre site is an integral component of Toronto and Ontario’s economy, particularly with respect to conventions, sport, festivals, recreation, culture and tourism.

Exhibition Place boasts the award-winning, LEED Gold Enercare Centre; Canada’s largest exhibition and convention centre, and the Beanfield Centre LEED Silver conference venue. Since 2004, Exhibition Place has undertaken an environmental stewardship initiative, entitled GREENSmart; which includes the promotion of sustainable development, environmental initiatives and leading edge green technologies and practices across the site.
www.explace.on.ca, @ExPlaceTO

Mark Grimes
Chair, Board of Governors of Exhibition Place
councillor_grimes@toronto.ca
416-397-9273