Carrie Cussons, a leader in Atlantic Canada’s events industry, has announced that she will be stepping away from her position, effective March 31, 2026.

Cussons is the President and CEO of Events East Group, an umbrella management organization of the Halifax Convention Centre and the Scotiabank Centre, the largest event facilities in Atlantic Canada. As a long-standing employee of the organization, Cussons has been instrumental in driving growth and fostering innovation while advancing the overall impact of Events East as an event host, community champion and industry leader.

During Cussons tenure, the organization has achieved significant business and financial performance milestones, hosting over 1,500 events, welcoming more than 3.2M guests, and generating over half a billion dollars in economic impact.

“It has been an honour to lead this organization,” says Events East President and CEO Carrie Cussons. “I am proud of our collective accomplishments and the strong partnerships we have established. I will always be a champion for the entire events and tourism industry.”

In 2024, Cussons was recognized as one of Canada’s top 100 most powerful CEOs. She also received the Fellow designation from the Chartered Professional Accountants of Nova Scotia in 2024, the profession’s highest mark of distinction that recognizes her achievements and service to the community throughout her career. 

“The significant performance of both the Scotiabank Centre and Halifax Convention Centre is a testament to Carrie’s strong leadership, her impressive command of responsible governance and her long-term vision for the community,” says Norm Mensour, Board Chair of Events East Group.  “We are deeply grateful to Carrie for her commitment and leadership, and we remain confident in the organization’s ability to continue to attract and host incredible events that have a positive impact on our city and province.”

The process to appoint a new CEO for Events East Group is being led by the Board of Directors. Per legislation the appointment of the CEO requires approval by both shareholders, the Province of Nova Scotia and Halifax Regional Municipality.  Recruitment firm Royer Thompson was selected to lead the search through a competitive procurement process.

It is anticipated that a new CEO will be in place prior to Cussons departure.

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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.