TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 8, 2013) - Former Canadian Olympic Committee & 100th Grey Cup Chief Operating Officer Lou Ragagnin brings his wealth of experience to ole. An experienced senior executive with a track record of delivering outstanding results in diverse situations and industries, Lou Ragagnin has proven himself to be equally adept at developing corporate strategy and ensuring that action-oriented and detailed business plans align to deliver desired results.

Ragagnin's superb leadership ability has most recently been demonstrated in his role as President and Chief Operating Officer for the 100th Grey Cup Festival this year in Toronto where he was responsible for the development and implementation of the strategic and operational plans for this very successful and exciting Grey Cup Game and corresponding Grey Cup Festival.

"ole is pleased to welcome such an accomplished executive to our operation, and we look forward to Lou's leadership in the realization of the company's goals," remarks ole Chairman and CEO, Robert Ott.

Prior to his Grey Cup role, he was Chief Operating Officer for the Canadian Olympic Committee (C.O.C.), where he was responsible for overall operations of the organization, including strategic/business/operational planning, Olympic preparation & games, marketing/revenue generation, communications, community relations, government relations, advocacy, international relations, and Olympic and Pan Am Bid relations & operations.

With an emphasis on developing a values-based corporate culture, and coaching executive teams driven to succeed, Lou is well-known for his integrity, leadership, judgment, and his ability to consistently deliver great results.

Lou is a Chartered Accountant, and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (honours) from the Schulich School of Business, York University.

Lou will be located in Toronto, and will report to C.E.O. Robert Ott.

In his new role as the Chief Operating Officer (C.O.O.), Lou will be responsible for the tactical execution of the annual and long term company business plans and the day to day managing, executing and enhancing of all internal operational processes and infrastructure.

"I am thrilled to be joining the ole team," says Ragagnin. "I am looking forward to contributing to the future success of ole as it continues to strive to be the best and most innovative global destination for world class songwriters, composers, IP investors and management talent, and the first choice music source for creators in all media."

Lou will be joining the ole team in late January 2013.

Other recent ole leadership appointments have included the appointment of Denis Dinsmore to the position of Vice President, Finance & Administration, and Ed Killin to the position of Executive Vice President, Acquisitions.