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Lyle Bauer 2009:

President & Chief Executive Officer, Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The Winnipeg Football Club has regained its reputation as one of the flagship franchises of the Canadian Football League under the stewardship of team president and CEO Lyle Bauer.

Since Bauer’s hiring nine years ago, the team has gone from the brink of extinction to a position of long-term stability thanks in large part to his sound football and business acumen.

Once again in 2008 the Bombers had a successful season off the field, announcing a bottom line profit of $761,000, and for the third consecutive season the club made the playoffs, hosting the East semi-final against the Edmonton Eskimos.

Bauer also provided invaluable leadership this past year in regards to two of the most important issues in Blue Bomber history – the potential sale of the community-owned franchise to media magnate David Asper and construction of a prospective new stadium.

In 2007, under Bauer’s leadership, the football club enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in team history. Approximately 300,000 fans– including five straight sell-out crowds – entered Canad Inns Stadium as the Blue Bombers rolled to 10-7-1 regular season record and second place finish in the CFL’s East division. Community and corporate support enjoyed significant spikes as well.

After a thrilling 24-22 win over the Montreal Alouettes in the Eastern semi-final and an inspiring 19-9 win over the Toronto Argonauts in the East Final, the Big Blue advanced to Grey Cup for the second time during Bauer’s tenure.

Bauer’s effort were also critical in the club hosting one of the most successful Grey Cups in CFL history in 2006. A full house at Canad Inns Stadium witnessed the B.C. Lions defeat the Montreal Alouettes while fans were treated to some of the best entertainment in the country as part of the Grey Cup Festival.

Bauer took over as president and CEO of the WFC in February 2000, which marked his return to the Big Blue after a five-year absence.

One of Bauer’s first tasks as leader was to implement a strategic business plan that would guide the club on the path to success. That plan not only set the stage on which the football club staff could perform, it also created an environment in which Manitoba businesses could once again feel confident in investing in the Blue Bombers.

Significant fundraising and debt-reduction strategies have also been a hallmark of Bauer’s leadership. At the time of his hiring the football club was more than $5 million in debt. Following the success of the past couple of seasons, the football club is in the black financially and is now regarded as a model of fiscal responsibility.

Bauer has also been a driving forced in efforts to control expenses and increase revenues while at the same time improving the on-field product and game day experience for fans.

Not content to rest on past success, Bauer continues to focus on ensuring the long-term stability and viability of the organization. Those efforts include bringing together the public and private sectors to reach a consensus on the construction of a new home for the football club.