{"id":861864,"date":"2025-07-11T22:11:58","date_gmt":"2025-07-12T03:11:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/11\/real-announces-new-ceo-rick-bennett-to-continue-strong-momentum\/"},"modified":"2025-07-11T22:11:58","modified_gmt":"2025-07-12T03:11:58","slug":"real-announces-new-ceo-rick-bennett-to-continue-strong-momentum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/11\/real-announces-new-ceo-rick-bennett-to-continue-strong-momentum\/","title":{"rendered":"REAL announces new CEO Rick Bennett to continue &#8216;strong momentum&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<div>\n<figure data-aqa=\"featured-image\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/leaderpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06092025-rick-bennett-real_296081947.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;h=423&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=7vc9UL5_iECLF2dxAkR7sA, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/leaderpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06092025-rick-bennett-real_296081947.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;h=846&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=J9iR0Xnj6jr-1qgYt6VfDw 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/leaderpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06092025-rick-bennett-real_296081947.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;h=423&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=DQcVodH4DCS3QF4BA91B3Q, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/leaderpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06092025-rick-bennett-real_296081947.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;h=846&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=A1wpfMOUe2o0UXvUtFkizw 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/leaderpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06092025-rick-bennett-real_296081947.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;h=354&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=e_k8KAAxQrmPoA39LS1IVQ, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/leaderpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06092025-rick-bennett-real_296081947.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;h=708&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=cXmQnu-BQX5aLEl_H0O1uQ 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/leaderpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06092025-rick-bennett-real_296081947.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;h=354&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=EJZCs-Sv9-q5EBMZx6V9bA, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/leaderpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06092025-rick-bennett-real_296081947.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;h=708&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=Uxj9Ps-uGfLw37_WeAZONQ 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/leaderpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06092025-rick-bennett-real_296081947.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;h=216&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=3m3HtIbTfatvlrZ9NSLODw, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/leaderpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06092025-rick-bennett-real_296081947.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;h=432&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=deIIQ2Xwozs5o8iPKIMADQ 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"New REAL CEO Rick Bennett\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/leaderpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06092025-rick-bennett-real_296081947.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;h=216&#038;sig=Fl5qYiRjESaM390whor9Iw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/leaderpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06092025-rick-bennett-real_296081947.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;h=216&#038;sig=Fl5qYiRjESaM390whor9Iw,\n                    https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/leaderpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06092025-rick-bennett-real_296081947.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;h=432&#038;sig=O7BonKR03B-vwP-WlyQ5GA 2x\" height=\"750\" width=\"1000\"><\/picture><figcaption><span>Rick Bennett has been named the new president and CEO of Regina Exhibition Association Limited.<\/span> <span>Photo by SUPPLIED by Regina Exhibition As<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p data-async>Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) says its <a data-evt-val=\"{\"control_fields\": {\"mparticle\": {\"keys\": {\"click_source_type\": \"click_source_type\", \"anchor_text\": \"anchor_text\", \"target_url\": \"target_url\", \"layout_section\": \"layout_section\"}, \"mp_event_type\": \"Navigation\", \"extra_keys\": [\"click_vertical_position_percentage\", \"click_vertical_position_pixels\"]}}, \"click_source_type\": \"in-page link\", \"anchor_text\": \"months-long search\", \"target_url\": \"https:\/\/leaderpost.com\/news\/local-news\/real-opens-search-to-fill-vacant-ceo-position\", \"layout_section\": \"in-page-link\"}\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-evt=\"click\" data-evt-typ=\"click\" href=\"https:\/\/leaderpost.com\/news\/local-news\/real-opens-search-to-fill-vacant-ceo-position\" target=\"_blank\">months-long search<\/a> for a new leader is over, with a new president and CEO set to arrive next week.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section data-aqa=\"identity-sign-in\" data-async id=\"article-block\">\n<header>\n<div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Regina Leader Post\" height=\"37\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/19.0.4\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-rlp-new.svg\" width=\"280\"><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n<p>Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.<\/li>\n<li>Get exclusive access to the Regina Leader-Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.<\/li>\n<li>Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.<\/li>\n<li>Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n<p>Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.<\/li>\n<li>Get exclusive access to the Regina Leader-Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.<\/li>\n<li>Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.<\/li>\n<li>Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n<p>Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Access articles from across Canada with one account.<\/li>\n<li>Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy additional articles per month.<\/li>\n<li>Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n<p>Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Access articles from across Canada with one account<\/li>\n<li>Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy additional articles per month<\/li>\n<li>Get email updates from your favourite authors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div data-auth-component id=\"auth-screen-form\" aria-live=\"assertive\">\n<h2>Sign In or Create an Account<\/h2>\n<p><span><\/span><span>or<\/span><span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>Rick Bennett will be taking over as the organization\u2019s new permanent president and CEO as of June 16, according to a news release issued by the REAL on Monday.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m honoured to join REAL at such a pivotal moment,\u201d stated Bennett in the release. \u201cThere\u2019s strong momentum already underway, and I\u2019m excited to help accelerate that progress and shape a future our team and community can be proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p data-async><a data-evt-val=\"{\"control_fields\": {\"mparticle\": {\"keys\": {\"click_source_type\": \"click_source_type\", \"anchor_text\": \"anchor_text\", \"target_url\": \"target_url\", \"layout_section\": \"layout_section\"}, \"mp_event_type\": \"Navigation\", \"extra_keys\": [\"click_vertical_position_percentage\", \"click_vertical_position_pixels\"]}}, \"click_source_type\": \"in-page link\", \"anchor_text\": \"Interim CEO Trent Fraser\", \"target_url\": \"https:\/\/leaderpost.com\/news\/local-news\/reals-new-interim-ceo-pulls-inappropriate-comment-from-consulting-website\", \"layout_section\": \"in-page-link\"}\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-evt=\"click\" data-evt-typ=\"click\" href=\"https:\/\/leaderpost.com\/news\/local-news\/reals-new-interim-ceo-pulls-inappropriate-comment-from-consulting-website\" target=\"_blank\">Interim CEO Trent Fraser<\/a> will remain on board for a time to transition Bennett into the role. Fraser stepped in as CEO in April, after previous interim CEO Roberta Engel resigned. She spent a year in the position, after <a data-evt-val=\"{\"control_fields\": {\"mparticle\": {\"keys\": {\"click_source_type\": \"click_source_type\", \"anchor_text\": \"anchor_text\", \"target_url\": \"target_url\", \"layout_section\": \"layout_section\"}, \"mp_event_type\": \"Navigation\", \"extra_keys\": [\"click_vertical_position_percentage\", \"click_vertical_position_pixels\"]}}, \"click_source_type\": \"in-page link\", \"anchor_text\": \"former CEO Tim Reid was removed\", \"target_url\": \"https:\/\/leaderpost.com\/news\/local-news\/city-hall\/real-board-votes-unanimously-to-remove-ceo-president-tim-reid\", \"layout_section\": \"in-page-link\"}\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-evt=\"click\" data-evt-typ=\"click\" href=\"https:\/\/leaderpost.com\/news\/local-news\/city-hall\/real-board-votes-unanimously-to-remove-ceo-president-tim-reid\" target=\"_blank\">former CEO Tim Reid was removed<\/a> in January 2024.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<div aria-labelledby=\"ReginaLeaderPostHeadlineNews1178208560405524730389103068053504\" data-account-id=\"b9d3df2fccd108b5eff3c44f573b2cd6\" data-aqa=\"widget-newsletter\" data-newsletter=\"single\" data-newsletter-component data-target-list=\"LP_HeadlineNews\" data-widget=\"newsletter\">\n<p>By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>Bennett has two decades of experience in hospitality, sports, tourism and venue operations, including in the operation of \u201cdestination venues, multi-use districts, and civic venues across three continents,\u201d according to REAL.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>His LinkedIn profile lists his most recent role as an interim executive leader at Bennett Advisory and Consulting in Calgary, Alta., previously at hospitality operators Compass Group and Aramark, and at modular building provider Williams Scotsman.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>His profile also notes he played a role in the ground-up development of Sarnia, Ontario\u2019s sports arena as part of Recreation Services International Ltd., described as a pioneer in public-private partnerships, or P3\u2019s, in the municipal recreation sector.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>In this new role with REAL, Bennett\u2019s focus will be on financial stabilization, mending stakeholder trust and long-term planning, notes the release.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRick\u202fbrings a powerful combination of global experience and people-first leadership,\u201d said REAL board chair Jaime Boldt in the release.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>\u201cREAL is more than a venue operator; it\u2019s a driver of Regina\u2019s economic and cultural life. Rick\u2019s\u202fappointment signals a renewed commitment to delivering value for residents, partners, and the broader community.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><em>The Regina Leader-Post has created an\u00a0<strong>Afternoon Headlines<\/strong>\u00a0newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day.\u00a0Click <a data-evt-val=\"{\"control_fields\": {\"mparticle\": {\"keys\": {\"click_source_type\": \"click_source_type\", \"anchor_text\": \"anchor_text\", \"target_url\": \"target_url\", \"layout_section\": \"layout_section\"}, \"mp_event_type\": \"Navigation\", \"extra_keys\": [\"click_vertical_position_percentage\", \"click_vertical_position_pixels\"]}}, \"click_source_type\": \"in-page link\", \"anchor_text\": \"here\", \"target_url\": \"https:\/\/leaderpost.com\/newsletters\/\", \"layout_section\": \"in-page-link\"}\" data-evt=\"click\" data-evt-typ=\"click\" href=\"https:\/\/leaderpost.com\/newsletters\/\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> to subscribe. <\/p>\n<p> With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark <a data-evt-val=\"{\"control_fields\": {\"mparticle\": {\"keys\": {\"click_source_type\": \"click_source_type\", \"anchor_text\": \"anchor_text\", \"target_url\": \"target_url\", \"layout_section\": \"layout_section\"}, \"mp_event_type\": \"Navigation\", \"extra_keys\": [\"click_vertical_position_percentage\", \"click_vertical_position_pixels\"]}}, \"click_source_type\": \"in-page link\", \"anchor_text\": \"leaderpost.com\", \"target_url\": \"https:\/\/www.leaderpost.com\", \"layout_section\": \"in-page-link\"}\" data-evt=\"click\" data-evt-typ=\"click\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leaderpost.com\" target=\"_blank\">leaderpost.com<\/a> and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click <a data-evt-val=\"{\"control_fields\": {\"mparticle\": {\"keys\": {\"click_source_type\": \"click_source_type\", \"anchor_text\": \"anchor_text\", \"target_url\": \"target_url\", \"layout_section\": \"layout_section\"}, \"mp_event_type\": \"Navigation\", \"extra_keys\": [\"click_vertical_position_percentage\", \"click_vertical_position_pixels\"]}}, \"click_source_type\": \"in-page link\", \"anchor_text\": \"here\", \"target_url\": \"https:\/\/leaderpost.com\/newsletters\/\", \"layout_section\": \"in-page-link\"}\" data-evt=\"click\" data-evt-typ=\"click\" href=\"https:\/\/leaderpost.com\/newsletters\/\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> to subscribe.<\/p>\n<p><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/leaderpost.com\/news\/local-news\/real-announces-new-ceo-rick-bennett-to-continue-strong-momentum\" class=\"button purchase\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rick Bennett has been named the new president and CEO of Regina Exhibition Association Limited. Photo by SUPPLIED by Regina Exhibition As Article content Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) says its months-long search for a new leader is over, with a new president and CEO set to arrive next week. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":861865,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[551,25597],"tags":[6410,21911],"class_list":{"0":"post-861864","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-announces","8":"category-bennett","9":"tag-announces","10":"tag-bennett"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/861864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=861864"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/861864\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/861865"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=861864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=861864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=861864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}