Canadian provincial lottery operator the British Colombia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has announced that Jim Lightbody has stepped down as its chief executive and president after a two-year period of medical leave.
Lightbody had been on leave since September 2019 after receiving a cancer diagnosis and will now leave both roles, but will officially remain on medical leave from the organization.
He first joined the BCLC in 2001 and served as vice president of lottery gaming and vice president of casino and community gaming, before going on to become president and CEO in 2014.
The BCLC will now initiate a global recruitment search for a permanent replacement, with Lynda Cavanaugh, who has served in both roles on an interim basis since January 2021, to remain in temporary charge until an appointment is made.
“I would like to thank everyone for their support, it has been truly humbling,” Lightbody said. “It was an honour to be BCLC’s CEO; however, it’s time for someone else to lead the company as I look forward to my next chapter.”
BCLC board chair Greg Moore, who served as interim president and CEO prior to Cavanaugh taking on the roles last January added: “Known for his strong leadership that focuses on people and an entrepreneurship approach to business, Jim has made countless contributions to BCLC – and its employees – through the course of his career with the organization.
“On behalf of the board of directors and everyone at BCLC, we wish him the very best as he continues his road to recovery.”
Confirmation of Lightbody’s departure comes the BCLC in October 2021 also announced the appointment of Dan Beebe as interim chief operating officer, after Brad Desmarais revealed he was to retire from the role.
Beebe, who was previously director of lottery strategic development at the BCLC, is serving as interim COO while a permanent replacement for Desmarais is sought.