Karl Jahnke named Deputy Commissioner of the QMJHL
The Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League is proud to announce the appointment of Karl Jahnke as Deputy Commissioner, succeeding Martin Lavallée, who was named General Manager of the Quebec U18 AAA Hockey League last week.
Mr. Jahnke has been with the QMJHL since 2005 and, prior to this promotion, served as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).
“This promotion from within will ensure continuity”, said Commissioner Mario Cecchini. “Karl has been with us for 21 years and knows the League inside and out. Throughout his career, he has gained experience in every area of our operations, including hockey, sales, communications, marketing and events. He is a driven, organized and proactive individual, as well as an outstanding manager. I congratulate him and thank him for taking on this new mandate.”
“I am very excited to take on this new challenge,” said Karl Jahnke. “The QMJHL continues to experience impressive growth, particularly when it comes to the resources and support provided to our players. They remain at the centre of our thinking and decision-making process, so that they can enjoy meaningful experiences while developing both as student-athletes and as individuals. I would like to thank Commissioner Mario Cecchini for this opportunity to continue my own development within a League that means so much to me.”
Here is a snapshot of Karl Jahnke’s career:
- Hockey executive with more than 25 years of experience in the sport;
- Began his career with the NHL’s Central Registry, overseeing compliance with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement, including player transactions, waivers and free agency;
- Joined the QMJHL in 2005, initially as Director of Communications;
- Over the years, took on several key responsibilities, including leading the marketing and business development departments, event management, Web platform development and human resources;
- Holds a Bachelor of Laws and a graduate diploma in Sports Administration. Among his major accomplishments are revenue growth through the development of sponsorship programs, the negotiation of broadcast and streaming rights agreements, and the creation of various licensing programs;
- Led or supported several committees, including those involved in the League’s 50th anniversary celebrations and, in 2020 and 2021, the challenges associated with continuing League operations during the pandemic.
Karl Jahnke will officially begin his new role as Deputy Commissioner of the QMJHL on October 26.
The League’s executive management team will then consist of Mario Cecchini and Karl Jahnke, along with Éric Chouinard, Vice-President, Hockey Operations, and Tatsiana Laletsina, Vice-President, Finance.
Finally, the position of Chief Marketing Officer will be filled in the near future.
