RELEASE: Daryl Katz names Jeff Jackson Oilers CEO of Hockey Operations

EDMONTON, AB - OEG Inc. owner and Chairman Daryl Katz is excited to announce Jeff Jackson has been named the new CEO of Hockey Operations for the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club. His appointment is effective August 3, 2023.

In his new role, Jackson will report directly to Katz and serve as an Alternate Governor on the NHL Board of Governors. He will oversee all aspects of OEGSE's NHL, AHL and WHL hockey operations. Jackson will work closely with Ken Holland, who continues in his role as President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers and will report to Jackson. Paul Coffey, who has been with the Oilers as a Special Advisor to Daryl Katz for more than a year and has been integral to bringing Jeff to OEGSE, will also assist Jackson in his new role with the organization.

Jackson has experienced the NHL from every critical perspective a team's leader could require. Following an eight-year professional playing career, he practiced corporate and entertainment law at a leading national law firm. In 2006 he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs as Assistant General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations and during his four years in that role, also served as the General Manager and Governor of the Toronto Marlies in the AHL. In 2010, he launched his own agency with former Oilers first-round draft pick Sam Gagner as his first NHL client. In the 13 years since, Jeff has played an instrumental part in building what is now Wasserman Hockey, a leading global agency known for representing iconic sports figures and many elite talents of the NHL -- including Connor McDavid.

"This is a big commitment to the long-term success of our organization," said Katz. "Jeff has well-established relationships across the NHL, including a strong relationship with Ken Holland. He brings tremendous industry insight, knowledge and leadership built through a unique career experience that is ideal for this leadership role at OEGSE. He understands what it takes to build an elite organization for the modern NHL and will work closely with Ken and our whole team to put the Oilers in the best possible position to win."

"This is an exciting day for Oilers fans and the organization. Jeff is highly respected across the NHL and brings unique experience as a former player, Assistant General Manager and, most recently, as one of the most influential agents in the business," said Holland. "It is a real coup for Oilers fans to have Jeff join the organization and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue our drive for a Stanley Cup."

"I can't think of a more exciting franchise to join or a better opportunity for me to put into practice everything I have learned during the past three decades in and around the NHL," said Jackson. "Daryl Katz, Ken Holland, Bob Nicholson, Jay Woodcroft and the entire group have built an outstanding foundation for success. I'm privileged to join Daryl, Ken and the entire Oilers staff in the pursuit of a Stanley Cup championship in the short term and in realizing the full and exceptional potential of the entire organization in the long term. On behalf of my family, I also want to say how thrilled we are to join the Edmonton Oilers organization and the Edmonton community. I am very appreciative of the opportunity to help lead such a storied NHL franchise."

"Jeff and I have had a long and fruitful relationship, and I have witnessed his care, relentlessness, and obvious knowledge of the game and industry firsthand," said McDavid. "I look forward to working with Jeff in his new role, and am excited about what this means for the future of the Oilers.

"I'm excited about this next chapter for me and to continue to be represented by Wasserman on and off the ice, with Judd Moldaver as my agent and Adam Philips, my longtime manager, handling day-to-day matters."

The Oilers will host a media availability at Rogers Place on Thursday, August 3 at 2pm MT with Jeff Jackson and Ken Holland that can be viewed exclusively on OilersPlus.com.