Mark Weightman 'stepping down' as Alouettes' president

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As surprisingly as was Mark Weightman’s return to the Alouettes two years ago, his exit is equally as shocking and unexpected.

The team announced Wednesday afternoon that Weightman would be “stepping down” as president and CEO, effective Friday, and won’t be replaced. The Beaconsfield resident refused comment when reached by The Gazette.

Weightman has twice been president of the CFL team, returning to that role on April 11, 2023 and replacing Mario Cecchini. It was the first significant front-office hire by Pierre Karl Péladeau after he purchased the team from the league. Weightman also served as the Als’ president and CEO from 2013-16, when the team had some struggles — both on the field and attracting spectators to Molson Stadium.

But he and the team were more successful upon his return. The Als won the Grey Cup in 2023 and went 12-5-1 last season before losing the East Division final at home to the Toronto Argonauts. Nonetheless, the Als averaged 21,302 spectators and sold out five of 10 home games, including four during the regular season.

“I want to thank Mark for his commitment and dedication over the past two years,” Péladeau said in a statement. “When I became owner of the team he didn’t hesitate to return to the organization so we could work together to restore the team to its former glory and renew its close relationship with the fans. And that’s exactly what he’s done.”

In a statement issued by the team, Weightman said he was proud of his work and accomplishments.

“The excitement’s back and an Alouettes game has become an event not to be missed,” he said in the statement. “Special thanks to Pierre Karl for placing his trust in me. We’ve shared some unforgettable moments of triumph.”

Weightman’s duties will be divided among current members of the senior management team.

René Masson, director of finance, will become senior vice-president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer. In addition to his day-to-day management of the organization, Masson will be responsible for growing the team’s revenues and returning it to profitability — no easy task in the CFL.

General manager Danny Maciocia also becomes senior vice-president of football operations. He’ll be responsible for dealing with the league, its other teams and all matters concerning football operations. Both Maciocia and Masson will sit on the Als’ executive committee, chaired by André Brosseau. Brosseau is Péladeau’s representative on the CFL’s board of governors.

“As we look ahead to another season, I have full confidence in the success of this new governance arrangement,” Péladeau said in the statement.

Weightman has spent more than three decades working in sports.

He’s a former VP with Groupe CH, served as president of the AHL’s Laval Rocket, was a senior marketing adviser for a team in the Swedish Hockey League, was a governor for the Montreal Alliance of the CEBL, and was the president and CEO of Trois-Rivières of the ECHL.

Weightman becomes the fifth consecutive team president to hold the position for three years or less.