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Victor de Bonis is out as COO of the Aquilini Group, which owns the Vancouver Canucks.

De Bonis worked for the Canucks and affiliated companies for 23 years.

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Global TV’s Jay Janower first reported the story on Wednesday.

According to an emailed statement, de Bonis, who was COO of the Canucks before being handed an expanded portfolio a year ago, said it was his decision to leave.

“This journey has been a privilege and an honour for me and my family. My decision was difficult because I love working here. But, the time is right for me to pursue a change and a new challenge in my career,” de Bonis said. “I also want to give others here the opportunities I have had.”

When he was promoted in April 2016, he was added the “entertainment, hospitality and treasury divisions” of the Aquilini Group to his responsibilities.

De Bonis was first named COO of the Canucks in 2007.

Given his long tenure with the club, which the Aquilinis have 100 per cent owned since 2006, Wednesday’s move comes as something of a surprise.

In an emailed statement, Francesco Aquilini thanked de Bonis for his service to the team and the company.

“Victor has been integral to the success of our organization for over two decades and we can’t thank him enough for his leadership, passion, hard work and commitment to the success of the Vancouver Canucks and Aquilini Group,” Francesco Aquilini said. “I have known Victor for many years. He is a good friend and I respect his decision. I wish him, his wife Mary and their entire family nothing but success in the future.”

pjohnston@postmedia.com

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