Softball Canada has appointed Mike Branchaud as its chief executive ©Getty Images

Mike Branchaud has been appointed as the new chief executive of Softball Canada after a process headed by Sport Law ended last week.

He will replace retiring Softball Canada chief executive Hugh Mitchener, who will begin transitioning his duties and responsibilities to Branchaud in time for his departure in May.

The Canadian originally joined Softball Canada in 2007 as the manager of the Canadian Championships and became a significant part of the organisation’s decision-making procedure.

"I am extremely honoured and excited to be moving into the role of CEO for Softball Canada," Branchaud said.

"We have great staff, an experienced Board of Directors and tremendous leadership in our provincial and territorial associations.

"A special thank you to the CEO Selection Committee for their confidence in giving me this role.

"I would like to wish our outgoing CEO Hugh Mitchener all the best in his retirement and thank him for his support and guidance over the last 15 years.

"Without his trust and confidence, I would not be in the position I am today."

Mitchener announced he would retire in November of last year after spending 24 years in the position.

Growing the Canadian Championships is a part of Hugh Mitchener's legacy ©Getty Images
Growing the Canadian Championships is a part of Hugh Mitchener's legacy ©Getty Images

Branchaud wants to pay respect to Mitchener's legacy, which includes growing the Canadian Championships and softball's presence on the Canada Games programme, by building on existing programmes as well as creating new initiatives and ideas.

Simultaneously, Branchaud shares Softball Canada’s hope for a return to full competition this year following the previous two seasons being badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said: "Two key priorities are getting a full slate of Canadian Championships back in 2022, and getting membership numbers back up with our minor youth teams and leagues playing again."

Softball Canada President Scott Neiles remarked that Branchaud has the necessary experience as a former player and staff member to lead the organisation through this significant period in their history and beyond.

"There is no doubt that Hugh Mitchener’s pending departure will leave massive shoes to fill, but we are confident Mike’s experience both as a world class player, and as a valued member of the Softball Canada staff over the last 15 years will certainly enable him to lead our sport going forward," Neiles said.