Annual General Meeting

Robert Hayes has been President and CEO of Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation since 2024. He represents CSEC’s ownership group in overseeing all business operations of five sports teams, music, comedy, entertainment and related community supporting Foundations.

Mr. Hayes had a 30+ year career in the financial sector, working throughout Canada and the US with the last 20 years in Calgary. He has held numerous Senior Executive positions, primarily leading client facing teams focused on areas such as mergers & acquisitions, corporate finance, sports & entertainment, private banking, risk management, and international. A native of Halifax, Mr. Hayes holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University, FCMA, FCPA, and ICD.D designations. He has completed Executive Leadership & Strategic Management programs at Northwestern University, University of Western Ontario, and University of Toronto.

In the community, Mr. Hayes presently sits on the Calgary Flames Foundation, Calgary Stampeders Foundation, Calgary Economic Development, Calgary Film Centre, and Prostate Cancer Centre Boards. Historically, he has served on the Calgary Stampede Foundation’s $100 million capital campaign committee, served three terms on the United Way Executive Campaign Cabinet, chaired the Wood’s Homes Foundation Board that included a Capital Campaign and CEO search, was a Westside Recreation Centre board member chairing the Human Resource Committee, and was a member of the Peter Lougheed Centre Development Council for over 10 years.

In 2013, Mr. Hayes was recognized as one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People

McNeil was appointed team president on Jan. 23, 2024. The former Stampeders offensive lineman had returned to the organization on Sept. 22, 2022, in the role of vice-president of business operations. 

McNeil played for the Stampeders from 1994 to 2007, earning Canadian Football League all-star recognition on three occasions and West Division all-star honours six times. McNeil was a member of Grey Cup-championship teams in 1998 and 2001 and was twice voted by teammates as the winner of the Presidents’ Ring for excellence on and off the field. 

After his playing career, McNeil remained in Calgary and built a strong business career, leading sales and business operations for a number of companies including Trinidad Drilling, Tervita, Secure Energy and most recently in the role of COO for Cleantek Industries. 

McNeil also maintained strong ties to football, serving as a trustee for the CFL Players Pension Plan and as vice-president of the Canadian Football League Players Association. He also continued his association with the Stampeders, acting as a community ambassador for the team’s alumni association. 

McNeil has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Kent State University and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Fredericton.