Jim Waters

Chairman, Owner, President, and Governor

Jim Waters enters his fifth season as owner and governor of the Erie Otters. After retiring from his previous career in the broadcasting industry, Waters purchased the Otters franchise on July 17, 2015, fulfilling a lifelong dream he had to own a professional sports team. That dream culminated on May 12, 2017 when the Erie Otters won the OHL Championship for the second time in franchise history in just the second year under Waters’ administration.

Waters served as president of CHUM Ltd. from 1994 to 2006 and was also the chairman of the board from 2002-2006.  Waters oversaw operations for the company which featured 33 radio stations across Canada. During that time, Waters was honored as the Broadcasting Executive of the Year at Canadian Music Week in March 2001. He was also elected into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2007.

In sports, Waters served on the board of directors for the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League. Waters’ company owned the franchise from 1977-1987.