Jeffrey L. Orridge

Jeffrey L. Orridge is the 13th Commissioner of the Canadian Football League.

A leading executive with a lifelong passion for sport and more than 20 years of experience in building major brands and businesses, Orridge is repositioning the CFL for the future with a new and progressive approach that is designed to further engage the CFL’s avid supporters while attracting a new generation of fans.

Just over a year into his term, Orridge has:

• Delivered a new, enhanced and more transparent drug testing program for CFL players, in partnership with the CFLPA.
• Introduced the CFL’s first policy on violence against women.
• Instituted many of the league’s new regulations, including new anti-tampering rules.
• Launched a new digital platform including new websites and a new app.
• Announced new ownership and a new home for the Toronto Argonauts.
• Extended the league’s landmark broadcast partnership with TSN and RDS.
• Unveiled a new brand positioning for the CFL, including a bold new logo and, in 2016, the What We’re Made Of marketing campaign.
• Launched an officiating development program with the NFL.
• Expanded the use of video replay and in 2016 is adding a new video official for the first time.
• Enhanced the league’s focus on player health and safety including the introduction in 2016 of dedicated injury spotters.
• Welcomed adidas as the official outfitter of the CFL with the launch of a new signature line of CFL jerseys fan focused apparel.

Orridge came to the CFL from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, where he was the Executive Director of Sports and General Manager, Olympics.

He successfully secured the media rights to the 2014 and 2016 Olympic Games, the 2015 Pan Am/ Parapan Games, and the 2018 and 2020 Olympics.

He structured a multi-year sub-licensing agreement to preserve and amplify the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast and brand. Under his direction, the 2014 Sochi Olympics and 2014 FIFA World Cup achieved record setting broadcast reach, digital consumption and profitability.

Previously, Orridge was the Chief Operating Officer and head of Global Business Development for Right to Play International, a charity that uses sport to improve the lives of children and youth around the world in the areas of health, education and wellness.

He served as VP, Corporate Strategic Planning for Mattel Inc, identifying growth opportunities and capturing emerging trends for this $5 billion company, and as Director, Sport Licensing for Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

His extensive resume includes stints in the 1990’s as Director, Global Sports Marketing for Reebok International and as Assistant Executive Director of USA Basketball, where he played an important role in introducing the first “Dream Team” to a global audience.

While he was born and raised in New York, Orridge and his family have lived in Canada since 2007. He lists becoming a Canadian citizen as one of his proudest moments.