Former Vancouver Giants chief operating officer Stuart Ballantyne is the new CEO of the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

The games host society announced Ballantyne's appointment Wednesday morning.

"I'm thrilled to be here. We're going to build a great team," Ballantyne said. "Thank you very much for the opportunity, I won't let you down."

In addition to his work with the Giants, he served as project director for the Molson Canadian Hockey House during the 2010 Winter Olympics, CEO of the 2009 World Police and Fire Games, general manager of the 2007 Memorial Cup, general manager of the 2006 World Junior Hockey Championship and general manager for the Molson Indy Vancouver.

He also won a pair of gold medals in the 1977 Canada Summer Games in swimming.

"These games are very much about the youth in Canada," he said. "I've always liked amateur sport. This is my way to give back to the Canada Games movement."

Host society chairperson Anthony Everett said Ballantyne brings a strong sports leadership background with him.

"I think Stuart brings a whole sports network with him," Everett said. "The Canada Games has never had a CEO coming in at the level Stuart is."

For full coverage see Thursday's edition of the Citizen.