The Canadian Premier League (CPL) today announced the appointment of Costa Smyrniotis to the role of Executive Vice President, Soccer.
Smyrniotis joins the Commissioner’s Office as a proven Canadian executive with nearly two decades of experience contributing to the growth of soccer in Canada. He brings with him a deep understanding of both the youth and professional games domestically and internationally, as well as the business behind them, and a firm grasp of the global soccer market.
As Executive Vice President, Soccer, Toronto-born Smyrniotis will work with Commissioner Mark Noonan to create and implement a long-term vision for the League’s on-field product and off-field business. He will be tasked with continually improving the CPL’s quality of play and its entertainment value, and expanding the League’s footprint in the Canadian and global sports landscape.
“This is a really important addition to the League Office as the game is central to everything we think about and do here,” said Mark Noonan, Commissioner, Canadian Premier League. “Costa is one of the most accomplished soccer executives in Canada, on and off the field of play. He has a long track record of success at every level of the sport, bringing with him a unique understanding of the landscape and, importantly, how to tap into the vast opportunity in front of us.”
Smyrniotis has played an influential role in the growth of the CPL since its early days as a concept and later through his position as Director of Football and Business at Forge FC since 2018. During his tenure with the club, he led all aspects of the organization, quickly establishing Forge as a leading club domestically and a highly respected one throughout the Concacaf region. Under his leadership, Forge won three CPL Championships (2019, 2020, 2022) and earned numerous other accolades both on and off the field. Forge was the first CPL team to reach the Canadian Championship Final in 2020 and the Concacaf League semifinal in 2021, and the club later became the first CPL team to compete in the Concacaf Champions League in 2022.
Prior to his time at Forge FC, Smyrniotis identified and supported the development and careers of some of the most notable talents in Canada’s game, both at the youth and professional levels. As a founder of Sigma FC, Smyrniotis established one of the most respected development academies in North America, which is responsible to this day for producing a continuous pipeline of talented Canadian players and technical staff bound for the professional game. Sigma graduates can be found playing and coaching throughout the global game, including Cyle Larin, the current all-time leading goal scorer for the Canadian Men’s National Team. Smyrniotis also established a leading player agency based in Canada, managing the careers of many clients within the global soccer landscape, including many Canadian internationals.
“I am extremely excited to join Commissioner Noonan and the whole Canadian Premier League team,” said Smyrniotis. “I am a very proud supporter of Canadian soccer and especially of all the talent we have in this country both on and off the field. I am always led by a football-first philosophy, and I am confident we can continue to grow our game in this country over the years to come.”
Smyrniotis has a background in business, and previously held senior roles at numerous multinational corporations, including Mercedes-Benz Canada and TD Securities, before he transitioned to working in soccer full time. He is a graduate of York University, where he earned his Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Business. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. His appointment is effective immediately.