Raptors name John Wiggins VP of organizational culture, inclusion

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors have named John Wiggins as vice-president, organizational culture and inclusion.

The team said in a release that Wiggins “will lead a group drawn from all parts of the organization to address social injustice, inclusion, equity and political reform.”

He will take charge of internal team-building and external outreach initiatives.

“This position has the opportunity to directly impact change. That’s what excited me so much about the role – the chance to impact change directly in my organization, my community and my country,” Wiggins said in a statement. “As an organization, we’re uniquely placed to do that.”

“For me, change is actionable,” he added. “I don’t want to just say things. They must be doable. I have a position of power, and I want to do powerful things.”

Wiggins joins the Raptors from Raptors 905, where he helped launch Canada’s first G League franchise. He most recently held the title of vice-president and oversaw all day-to-day and business operations for the club. During his tenure, Raptors 905 won their first championship in 2017.

Prior to the G League, Wiggins helped launch the inaugural teams of the National Basketball League of Canada. He has also worked in leadership positions at the Ford Motor Company and founded and coached a successful AAU team in Melbourne, Florida.

Wiggins is a graduate of the University of Windsor, grew up in Mississauga and lives in the GTA with his family.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 20, 2020.

The Canadian Press