OTTAWA - Ottawa Senators Owner and Chairman Eugene Melnyk today announced that Jim Little has joined Senators Sports and Entertainment as CEO effective immediately. Little will take on responsibility for the overall business strategy of the organization, with a special focus on marketing and strengthening community relations.

"We are pleased to have Jim joining our executive team during this exciting period of growth for Senators Sports and Entertainment," said Melnyk. "As part of our long-term strategy to redevelop and rebuild the Ottawa Senators hockey club, an extensive search was conducted to find the right leader to guide the organization into the next decade. Jim's appointment is an important step towards achieving our goals and building on the positive impact the hockey club has on the community. As our planned rebuild of the Senators continues to develop on the ice, Jim's wealth of experience and fresh perspective will strengthen the company's off-ice success, ushering in a new era for our club and fans."

"Eugene has asked me to lead the business operations of the Ottawa Senators - and to do so with a clear priority to re-create a strong, positive relationship with this community," said Little. "I want to thank him for the confidence he has shown in me and for the clarity of the mandate to be creative, to engage fans, partners, business and civic leaders in getting this chemistry right for the long term. We've got a passionate and dedicated team of professionals, on and off the ice, and a community that wants us to succeed - together, we will."

Jim Little, 55, was most recently Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Culture Officer for Shaw Communications. Over his career, he has held several senior executive roles at Royal Bank of Canada, Bell Canada, and Bombardier Aerospace. Little began his career in Ottawa.

In addition to growing major Canadian brands and delivering award-winning marketing programs, Little plays an active role in the communities where he has lived and worked. He has held directorships on numerous boards, including the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation, Porter Airlines, Pathways to Education, the Public Policy Forum and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

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