Calgary Chamber of Commerce begins search for a new CEO

Calgary, August 10, 2020 – The current COVID pandemic has created an unprecedented economic situation facing the City of Calgary, its businesses and citizens. The Calgary Chamber Board of Directors has recognized that this is a pivotal time for the City and that the situation calls for a repositioning of the Chamber. It is critical that this repositioning is done in a deliberate manner that examines all aspects of the organization to ultimately ensure that the Chamber reflects the needs of our members, both today and moving forward into the future.

After discussions with Dr. Sandip Lalli regarding this strategic process, it has been mutually agreed that she will step out of her role as President and CEO. In turn, Dr. Lalli has transitioned into the role of strategic advisor to the Board of Directors during this important process.

“Our Board of Directors would like to thank Sandip Lalli for her service and commitment to the Chamber of Commerce and its business members. Sandip has provided critical leadership for the Chamber and Calgary businesses, particularly during the global pandemic, and we are grateful to have her continued strategic guidance during this transitionary period,” said Brent Cooper, Chair of the Board of Directors. “The Chamber recognizes that we need to reposition the organization to best represent the needs of the many businesses across Calgary facing this pivotal time in a post-COVID world.”

“I would like to thank the Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve as President and CEO over the last two years plus. The current economic situation facing businesses across our city makes way for a new focus by the Chamber,” said Dr. Lalli. “This is a natural time for change, and I am looking forward to pursuing new opportunities. I am proud of what our Chamber team and I have achieved over the last several years, with the support of our dynamic business community.”

In due course, arising out of the Chamber’s strategizing process, it will ultimately commence a search for a new President and CEO. Meanwhile, Mr. Murray Sigler has been named as transitional (interim) CEO and will be handling the strategic direction and day to day operations of the Chamber until a new President has been found. Mr. Sigler is the former CEO of Sport Calgary.

“Murray Sigler will provide steady leadership as transitional President and CEO while we undertake the strategic planning process, and ultimately search for a new CEO,” said Cooper.

As a member founded and funded organization, the Chamber remains committed to working with our members on behalf of their best interests which will be challenged in the economic recovery period of the province. We look forward to consulting with our members and stakeholders as a part of the strategic renewal.

More Information

For more information:

Geraldine Anderson

Director, Policy & Communications

ganderson@calgarychamber.com

About the Calgary Chamber

The Calgary Chamber is an independent non-profit, non-partisan business organization. For 129 years the Chamber has worked to build a business community that nourishes, powers and inspires the world.

About the Canadian Global Cities Council

Founded in 2015, the Canadian Global Cities Council (CGCC) is a coalition of Presidents and CEOs of the eight largest urban regional Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade in Canada: Brampton, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa,and Winnipeg. Representing more than half of Canada’s GDP and population, CGCC collaborates on international and domestic issues impacting our regions’ competitiveness.