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Ken Read couldn't keep his directing hand out of the ski business for very long.
The former Crazy Canuck downhill star has taken up the position of president of Alpine Alberta, a job vacated in July by Thomas Grandi, who elected to end his retirement to come back as a slalom skier for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Read himself had stepped down as Alpine Canada's chief executive officer in July in a move to eliminate any conflicts as his son, Erik Read, rises to national team level in Alpine Canada.
Read's stepping down was in accordance with an Alpine Canada policy. Alpine Alberta does not have such a policy.
”Thomas left a strong organization focused on excellence, inspiring young athletes to become engaged in alpine ski racing and a commitment to build strong programs, events and to win,” said Read, whose hiring was effective immediately.
”We will build on that foundation to grow our sport, deliver for our athletes, enhance value for our partners, and create a sustainable, success-driven organization long into the future.”
”The drive, track record of success, passion, and experience of Ken Read builds on the tremendous momentum two-time World Cup gold medalist Thomas Grandi created for our organization and our sport in Alberta,” board chairman Mike Irwin said.
During his almost six years at the helm of Alpine Canada, Read became recognized for assembling a management team that turned around ski racing in Canada and for increasing the sponsorship that allowed for a dedicated training venue on a glacier and performance bonuses for athletes and innovative athlete development programs.
”We see tremendous benefits of having Ken Read as president of Alberta Alpine. His decision to take this job is great for our sport and our organization,” Irwin.
Read is Canada's senior alpine representative within the International Ski Federation (FIS) as a member of the FIS alpine committee executive board and chairman of FIS alpine programs for youth and children.
