Michael Copeland
Michael Copeland is a proven sports executive and leader with a tremendous depth of experience in the areas of growth strategy, brand development, fan engagement and experience, sponsorship and media development, commercial negotiation, player relations, team administration, and operations management.
Michael is currently the Chief Executive Officer for Woodbine Entertainment where he leads the organization during a dynamic period of transformation and growth. He was a member of the Leadership Team at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) where he led MLSE's efforts as it explored new areas of growth and opportunity in the areas of digital ventures, consumer engagement, and esports.
As President and CEO of the Toronto Argonauts, Michael developed and led the organization’s new strategic direction and rebuilt its branding, commercial structures, fan relationships and experience, and day-to-day operations, including both football and business operations. In November 2017, the Argonauts won the 105th Grey Cup.
Michael is the former President and COO of the Canadian Football League. He led several major initiatives for the CFL, including the establishment of a new salary cap system, the negotiation of new broadcast and digital rights agreements with TSN and ESPN, the negotiation of three new collective bargaining agreements with CFL players, the CFL’s first-ever drug testing policy, and the return of CFL football to Ottawa.
Prior to joining the CFL, Michael held senior positions with Molson Coors Beverage Company and The Boston Consulting Group where he focused on consumer preferences and buying behaviour and the development of creative and innovative brands, experiences and sales strategies to generate growth. Michael also worked with Deloitte Consulting in Sydney, Australia and practiced corporate and commercial law with Blake, Cassels & Graydon in Toronto.
Michael has a law degree from the University of Western Ontario and an MBA from Western’s Ivey School of Business. He is a recipient of the prestigious Caldwell Partners/Globe & Mail “Canada’s Top 40 Under 40” Award, and the Western Law W. Iain Scott Business Leadership Award.
He is an experienced corporate director. He is currently a member of the Board of Governors of Havergal College, and has served on the Boards of Tourism Toronto, WATERFRONToronto, Triathlon Canada, and the Special Olympics Canada Festival.
Michael is married with two daughters and lives in Toronto. In his free time, he and his family avidly participate in sports and other outdoor activities, with a particular passion for running, cycling, swimming and triathlon. He has completed the Ironman USA (Lake Placid) Triathlon, and four marathons.