The Board of Directors of Events East Group, the organization responsible for operating the Halifax Convention Centre and Scotiabank Centre, is pleased to announce that Suzanne Fougere has been selected as the new President and CEO.

Fougere currently serves as the organization’s Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, and has advanced into progressively senior roles since joining the organization in 2010. As a recognized business and community leader in Nova Scotia with a strategic focus on the growth and impact created by Events East, Ms. Fougere brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.

“Suzanne has been instrumental in driving growth while advancing the overall impact that Events East has on our city and province,” says Norm Mensour, Board Chair of Events East Group. “The Board wishes to congratulate Suzanne on her appointment. We are confident that she will continue to do incredible things as our new President and CEO.”

With a track-record of success, Fougere is responsible for bringing some of the biggest national and international events attracted to Nova Scotia in recent years and played a key role in ensuring the organization achieved the recent milestone of generating $550 million in economic impact for Nova Scotia. Most recently, Fougere developed the future vision and new long-term strategic plan for the organization, which sets the organization’s direction to 2030. “It’s truly a privilege to step into this role and lead such a dedicated team during this exciting time for our organization,” says Ms. Fougere. “I look forward to working collaboratively with our partners, our customers and our community to further enhance the impact we can create through our venues and events.”

Fougere’s impact extends outside of the organization. She currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the QEII Foundation and also sits on the Board for United Way Maritimes. In 2024, Fougere was the recipient of the Event Atlantic Champion of the Year Award, and in 2025, she was recognized for her impact on the events industry and her excellence in event attraction with the Canadian Sport Tourism Industry Champion Award at the 2025 Sport Tourism PRESTIGE Awards. She was also a recipient of the 2025 WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Executive Leaders Category.

The process to appoint a new President and CEO for Events East Group was led by the Board of Directors, with recruitment firm Royer Thompson facilitating the search through a comprehensive process. The appointment is for a five-year term, effective April 1, 2026.

This announcement is part of a thoughtful transition following a decision in 2025 by current President and CEO Carrie Cussons who advised of her upcoming planned departure in March 2026.

Quotes:

• “Suzanne is an admired business leader and respected voice in Nova Scotia. I am confident in her ability to continue to attract and host incredible events that generate significant economic and social impacts for our province.” – Honourable Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Growth and Development, Province of Nova Scotia.
• “Suzanne’s strong business acumen, strategic focus, and collaborative approach will continue to position the Scotiabank Centre and Halifax Convention Centre as preferred host venues on the national and international stage. Her long service and extensive experience with Events East have strengthened our city as a world-class destination. I look forward to working with her in this new role.” – Mayor Andy Fillmore, Halifax Regional Municipality.

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Events East Group is a purpose-led organization known for attracting and hosting premier events in the region, and operating signature event venues that drive community vibrancy and economic impact. We were created as part of a partnership between the Province of Nova Scotia and Halifax Regional Municipality, and we work in collaboration with them to manage our business in a transparent and responsible manner. Since 2018, Events East has hosted over 1,500 events, welcomed more than 3.2 million guests, and generated over $550 million in impact.