Alyson Walker, whose CV includes stints at Bell Media, the Canadian Olympic Committee, as well as Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, has been named general secretary of Soccer Canada.

Walker, who is due to take office on January 22, is the first woman to hold the position at the national federation.

Soccer Canada said more than 200 candidates were identified over the four months the selection process was conducted by Korn Ferry. Jason de Vos, former captain of the national team and who previously acted as director of development for the organization, has held the position on an interim basis since Earl Cochrane resigned last April.

Walker takes the helm of an organization that has had a lot of bad press lately, mired in a long labor dispute with its players and struggling with serious financial difficulties. As Canada, along with the United States and Mexico, hosts the 2026 World Cup, there will be many challenges on and off the field.

This hiring now paves the way for the replacement of the men’s national team coach. Mauro Biello has been the interim coach since John Herdman jumped ship in August to manage Toronto FC.