Kevin Gilmore: A Distinguished Leader in Global Sports, Entertainment, and Real Estate
Kevin Gilmore is a seasoned executive whose career spans more than three decades across multiple industries, including professional sport, entertainment, real estate development, and live events. With extensive experience in leadership roles at world-class organisations such as Disney, the Anaheim Ducks, the Los Angeles Kings, the Los Angeles Angels, AEG, the Montreal Canadiens, and CF Montréal, Gilmore has left an indelible mark on the business of sport. He is also the Founder and President of 4Sport Consulting Inc., a company advising teams, sponsors, athletes, and organisations in navigating the complex ecosystem of professional sports and entertainment.
This article provides an in-depth look at Kevin Gilmore’s career journey, achievements, and contributions to sport and entertainment, while also highlighting his academic background, international experience, and consulting expertise.
Early Legal Foundations and Education
Academic Excellence
Kevin Gilmore built the foundation of his career with an outstanding academic record at the University of Ottawa. He earned both a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in Common Law and a Licence in Civil Law (LL.L.), graduating with distinction. His academic honours included multiple awards for excellence, such as the Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Brian Dickson Award for the highest standing in his graduating year.
Later in his career, Gilmore expanded his expertise through executive education. He completed a Finance for Executives programme at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2007 and, more recently, a certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy at the prestigious MIT Sloan Executive Education in 2024.
Early Legal Career
Gilmore began practising law at Latham & Watkins in Los Angeles, focusing on public and infrastructure finance, corporate securities, and mergers and acquisitions. His legal acumen would later prove invaluable as he transitioned into sports management and executive leadership, particularly in contract negotiations, sponsorships, and franchise agreements.
Entry into Professional Sport and Entertainment
The Walt Disney Company
Gilmore joined The Walt Disney Company in the early 1990s as Corporate Counsel. During his tenure, he negotiated major strategic alliances and sponsorship agreements with Fortune 50 corporations, helping to generate significant profits for the company. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Disney’s acquisition and launch of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, one of the most successful NHL expansion franchises in history.
This experience marked the beginning of his lifelong career in professional sport and entertainment, combining his legal expertise with business development and operational leadership.
Anaheim Ducks and Anaheim Angels
Gilmore served as Vice President of Hockey Operations and Legal Affairs for the Anaheim Ducks and later as Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for the Anaheim Angels. His responsibilities included player contracts, licensing agreements, venue leases, and corporate operations. He was instrumental in shaping both organisations’ business and sporting structures during a crucial period of growth.
Leadership in Professional Hockey
Los Angeles Kings and Manchester Monarchs
In 1999, Kevin Gilmore joined the Los Angeles Kings as Vice President of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager. He was responsible for player evaluations, contract negotiations, and strengthening the team’s minor league development system.
He also took on the role of General Manager and Governor of the Manchester Monarchs, the Kings’ AHL affiliate. Under his leadership, the Monarchs became one of the most successful franchises in the league, both in terms of competitive performance and fan engagement.
Montreal Canadiens
In 2011, Gilmore returned to his Canadian roots as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Montreal Canadiens. He oversaw all revenue-producing aspects of the organisation, including sales, marketing, sponsorships, broadcasting, and communications. Gilmore was instrumental in negotiating landmark broadcast agreements and spearheading real estate projects such as the Tour des Canadiens.
His initiatives also included fan engagement programmes like Club 1909 and original content creation with 24CH, helping to modernise the club’s commercial strategies.
Soccer and International Expansion
CF Montréal (formerly Montreal Impact)
In 2019, Kevin Gilmore was appointed President and CEO of CF Montréal, leading the Major League Soccer club through a period of restructuring and rebranding. He recruited world-renowned talent such as Thierry Henry and worked to expand the club’s visibility and commercial reach. His tenure reinforced his reputation as a versatile executive capable of leading across multiple sports disciplines.
Global Strategy with AEG
Earlier, as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategic Planning at AEG, Gilmore was responsible for international expansion, particularly in Asia. He led negotiations for landmark projects such as the Beijing Olympic Basketball Arena agreement, the Shanghai World Expo Performing Arts Centre, and AEG’s joint venture with the NBA in China.
This work positioned AEG as a dominant force in the rapidly growing Asian sports and entertainment market, showcasing Gilmore’s ability to operate at the intersection of sport, culture, and international business.
Thoroughbred Racing and The Stronach Group
In 2023, Gilmore took on the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at The Stronach Group, North America’s leading thoroughbred racing and wagering company. He worked closely with Chairwoman Belinda Stronach on strategic growth initiatives across racing, real estate, media, and entertainment. His tenure further underscored his ability to adapt and lead in diverse sectors of sport and entertainment.
Advisory and Board Roles
Beyond his executive positions, Kevin Gilmore has served on several influential boards:
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Canadian Olympic Committee – Member of the Board of Directors for seven years.
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Canadian Women’s Hockey League – Board Member during its final years of operation.
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Canadian Women’s National Hockey Team – Pro Bono Advisor, negotiating athletes’ agreements with Hockey Canada in 2022 and 2023.
These roles highlight his commitment to advancing Canadian sport at both grassroots and elite levels.
4Sport Consulting Inc.
In 2016, Gilmore founded 4Sport Consulting Inc., based in Montreal. The firm advises sports teams, prospective owners, organisations, sponsors, and athletes. Its focus areas include strategic partnerships, sponsorship negotiations, new business development, and financial analysis. Gilmore also acts as a keynote speaker, sharing insights on leadership, strategy, and the evolving business of sport.
Skills and Expertise
Kevin Gilmore’s career demonstrates a rare blend of legal, financial, and strategic expertise. His core skills include:
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Contract negotiation and franchise agreements
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Sponsorship and partnership development
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Strategic planning and corporate governance
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Real estate development linked to sports venues
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International expansion and cross-cultural negotiations
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Media relations and broadcast rights
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Leadership in professional sports operations
Personal and Professional Legacy
Kevin Gilmore is widely recognised for his ability to navigate complex negotiations, from franchise agreements and venue leases to international joint ventures. His work has spanned four major professional sports—hockey, soccer, baseball, and thoroughbred racing—along with significant contributions to live entertainment and real estate.
What sets Gilmore apart is his adaptability: whether in Montreal, Los Angeles, or Shanghai, he has consistently delivered results, building sustainable business models and enhancing fan engagement. His leadership reflects both a deep understanding of the financial and operational aspects of sport, and a strong passion for its cultural impact.
Conclusion
Kevin Gilmore’s career serves as a remarkable case study in the globalisation of sport and the business of entertainment. From his beginnings in law to his leadership of professional franchises and consulting practice, he has influenced the strategic direction of major organisations across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Today, as President of 4Sport Consulting, he continues to shape the future of sport, bringing together teams, athletes, sponsors, and governing bodies to foster growth and innovation. His journey demonstrates that success in the sports and entertainment industry requires not only vision and strategy but also the ability to adapt across diverse markets and disciplines.
