The Canadian Football League is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Lawson as Chair of its Board of Governors.

A successful business person and lawyer with extensive experience in board governance and leadership, Lawson has Canadian football roots, a demonstrated passion for sports and entertainment, and deep and broad relationships within the business community.

"The CFL has come a long way since I first joined the league 10 years ago, and Jim is the right person to chair this board as it works with our league office to continue to accelerate our growth," said Bob Young, who had been serving as interim-Chair of the league.

CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon also welcomed Lawson.

"The son of a Grey Cup champion, and someone who has built a successful career while consistently championing sports, community and charitable activities, Jim is perfectly suited to this role, and I look forward to working with him," Cohon said.

Lawson currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Woodbine Entertainment Group, Canada's largest racetrack operator.

During his career, he has been a partner at leading law firms TorysLLP and Davis Ward Phillips and Vineberg LLP.

Lawson has also served on the Board of a number of companies including Algoma Steel Inc. (TSX), Zargon Energy Trust (TSX), Countryside Power Income Fund (TSX), Sleep Country Canada and is Chairman of the Jockey Club of Canada.

A graduate of Brown University (Economics) and the University of Western Ontario (LLB), Lawson signed a professional hockey contract with the Montreal Canadiens following undergraduate studies, and spent the better part of two seasons with their affiliate Nova Scotia Voyageurs. Lawson's father, Mel, was just 20 years old when he successfully quarterbacked the Hamilton Flying Wildcats in the 1943 Grey Cup game.

(CFL)