Mark Noonan has been appointed as the new Commissioner of the Canadian Premier League (CPL), and will begin his duties on 1 September.
Following a months-long international search, Noonan’s role will consist of both CPL Commissioner as well as CEO of Canadian Soccer Business (CSB).
Scott Mitchell, President of CSB, said: “On behalf of the CPL and CSB Board of Directors, we are pleased to announce that Mark Noonan is the new CPL Commissioner and CEO of CSB.
“Mark’s extensive experience in football from a global perspective, combined with his incredible success in sports marketing, fits completely with our collective goals.
“We are absolutely confident Mark can make a huge impact on the continued development of the Canadian football ecosystem while leading the CPL and CSB in the transformation into a truly global football ownership.”
Noonan joins CPL after more than two decades in the sports industry. Previously a key member of the first-ever NCAA Division I football team at Duke University in 1986, Noonan is an experienced sports marketer in the US and abroad.
“I am grateful to the Board of Directors for the opportunity to lead CPL and CSB as they transition into their next phase of coast-to-coast growth,” Noonan said on his appointment.
“CPL has carved a place in the Canadian football scene since its inception in 2019, with roots across the country developing and advancing local talent while inspiring the next generation to dream of playing professionally at home.
“But there is more work to be done. With it, I’m looking forward to guiding CPL into the next chapter of sustainability and maturity. I can’t wait to move to Toronto and get started.”
Noonan most recently served as CEO of Accra Hearts of Oak SC in Ghana. In 2005, he founded FocalSport, an international sports and entertainment agency, where he represented clients such as the New York Mets, FIBA, MLS/SUM and R&A and professional Bull Riders.
Noonan also spent three years as Chief Global Business Officer for the World Surf League serving as the integrated Marketing Director for beverage brand Gatorade.
