Andrew Baker is set to take the helm as the next president and CEO of Alpine Canada, following Therese Brisson’s departure to lead Skate Canada after six years. With a background of 21 years at the Canadian Olympic Committee, where he most recently served as the chief external affairs officer, Baker will commence his role at Alpine Canada in September.
Alpine Canada, responsible for overseeing alpine and Para alpine racing as well as ski cross, manages around 15,000 registered racers and 5,500 coaches across 200 clubs nationwide, according to the organization’s 2025 annual report. Additionally, Alpine Canada hosts international World Cup races in Canada.
Noteworthy upcoming events include two women’s giant slaloms scheduled for Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, in December and a World Cup ski cross set for March at Craigleith in Ontario. Baker’s appointment coincides with the beginning of another Olympic quadrennial leading up to the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.
Having been actively involved in advocating for increased core funding for national sport organizations during his tenure at the COC, Baker expressed enthusiasm about the recent federal government announcement of a $755 million injection into high-performance sport over the next five years, with $660 million allocated directly to organizations like Alpine Canada.
Baker emphasized the rich history and current excellence in alpine, ski cross, and Para alpine disciplines as key factors that attracted him to his new role, noting the potential for continued growth and success in Canadian sports. Despite achieving overall world championship and Olympic and Paralympic medal targets as outlined in the organization’s strategic plan, Canada did not secure any medals in alpine skiing and ski cross at the recent Milan Cortina Games. However, Canadian Para alpine athletes claimed a silver and four bronze medals in Italy.
Looking ahead to 2030, Baker highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance Canada’s presence in international competitions, with a focus on potentially reintroducing men’s speed races in the West Coast. The federal government’s commitment to further funding for hosting international sports events and upgrading training centers at Panorama, Whistler, and Nakiska Ski Resort indicates a promising future for Canadian athletes on the road to the 2030 Winter Games.