REGINA — The Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) have announced CEO Rick Bennett has departed from the organization.
On Thursday, the organization said Bennett left due to personal and family reasons.
Jaime Boldt, chair of the REAL board, said the organization found out about the situation a few days ago.
“Immediately, we just went into problem-solving mode, and how do we ensure that REAL is looked after?”
Boldt said REAL contacted former interim CEO Trent Fraser, who told the organization he could jump back into the role starting Monday.
Fraser had been REAL’s interim CEO from April to June of 2025 and is expected to stay in the role for a longer term this time around.
“We're going to take our time and not jump to a new search right away,” said Boldt. “So we're not in a hurry. We feel really comfortable and confident with Trent here.”
Boldt couldn’t comment on Fraser’s behalf regarding a permanent role, but had indicated he didn’t have interest for it in the past.
Fraser’s return marks the fourth person to take over the role of CEO at REAL in the past 12 months.
Former REAL interim CEO Roberta Engel left the organization in April after taking over for Tim Reid, who was fired.
The shake-up at the top of REAL has been challenging, admitted Boldt.
However, she credited the staff at REAL for working through these times, and also the board of directors for steering the organization.
As for Bennett, Boldt credited his previous experience in the food and beverage industry for creating several opportunities the organization plans to announce shortly.
Bennett isn’t expected to eventually return to REAL as a new permanent CEO will be announced sometime in 2026.
Boldt was also asked about REAL’s budget, which should be made public in the next week or so.
“We're very comfortable with what we're putting forward to council, and we're pretty happy with how this year has gone and the outlook for the coming years.”
