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The Regina Exhibition Association Ltd. is searching for a new CEO once again.
On Thursday, the organization announced that president and CEO Rick Bennett has left his role “for personal and family reasons.” Trent Fraser, who served as REAL’s acting president and CEO from April to June of this year, will take over on an interim basis until a new leader is hired.
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Bennett, a long-time executive with experience in hospitality, sports, tourism and venue operations, had only held the CEO role since June 16.
REAL CEO Rick Bennett announces a Foo Fighters concert at Mosaic Stadium. REAL said Bennett stepped down from the CEO role for personal and family reasons. (Abby Zieverink/980 CJME)
He replaced former CEO Tim Reid, who was removed from the position by the association’s board in January of 2024 following a disastrous tourism campaign dubbed “Experience Regina,” which was heavily criticized for using sexual humour in promoting the city.
The association said the search for Bennett’s replacement will begin in 2026.
“We thank Rick for his contributions to REAL and to the Regina community, and we wish him and his family well,” board chair Jaime Boldt said in a statement.
“We are confident in Fraser’s ability to step right into the job and lead REAL over the next few months.”
Boldt said she wouldn’t comment further on the reasons for Bennett’s departure, citing confidentiality.
Bennett’s brief tenure at the helm of REAL appears to have been successful, as the organization recently announced two big events at Mosaic Stadium. Those include a performance by the Foo Fighters in September – the first concert at the stadium since 2019 – and the Grey Cup in 2027.
