Rachael Pinnock has been appointed as the new Chief Commercial & Impact Officer of the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), marking a significant leadership transition for the organization. The announcement was made on June 5, 2026, with Pinnock officially stepping into the role on June 1.
Strategic Leadership for Paralympic Growth
In her new capacity, Pinnock joins the CPC's executive leadership team, where she will oversee sustainable and diversified revenue generation, marketing, communications, strategic partnerships, and impact initiatives. Her focus will be on deepening corporate and community engagement to elevate Paralympic sport across Canada.
Pinnock previously served as the CPC's director of commercial strategy and impact, where she played a key role in the organization's 10-year strategic plan, particularly the Power of Para Sport pillar. This pillar emphasizes the value of Paralympic sport in fostering a more inclusive and accessible society for all Canadians.
Pinnock's Vision for the Future
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Pinnock stated, "This is an incredibly exciting time for the Paralympic Movement and Para sport in Canada. I'm delighted to take on this role at a moment when CPC is further embedding impact into its leadership and strategic priorities through the new Chief Commercial & Impact Officer mandate. It reflects a belief that success is measured not only by what happens on the podium, but also by the change we create beyond it. I'm looking forward to working with our athletes, partners, supporters, and the broader sport system to expand the reach and influence of the Power of Para Sport as we build toward LA 2028 and beyond."
Background and Experience
Pinnock originally joined the CPC in October 2023 as director of partnerships and business development. She brings a wealth of experience from the sport system, having worked in both Paralympic and Olympic environments in Canada and the United Kingdom. Additionally, she has global marketing and communications experience with prominent brands such as BMW and MINI.
She succeeds Francois Robert, who served as Chief Commercial Officer for 15 years. Robert's tenure was marked by significant growth in revenue, corporate partnerships, and awareness, leaving the CPC in a strong position for the future. Karen O'Neill, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, praised Robert's contributions, saying, "I would also like to thank Francois for his tremendous contributions over the past 15 years. Francois has both designed and built the strong foundation for Rachael and the team to head into the next chapter."
Collaborative Approach
In her new role, Pinnock will work closely with the corporate partnerships, marketing and communications, and Paralympic Foundation of Canada teams, as well as the entire organization and Paralympic community, to enable more Canadians to experience the power of Para sport.
About the Canadian Paralympic Committee
The Canadian Paralympic Committee is dedicated to creating a more inclusive society through the power of Para sport. For more information, visit Paralympic.ca. This announcement was originally distributed by CNW on June 5, 2026.
