LCBO president to retire
George Soleas, president and CEO of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), will retire on 31 January 2026 after nearly 30 years at the company.
Soleas will be succeeded in the interim by Aaron Campbell, who is currently LCBO’s chief of staff and vice-president, corporate affairs, strategy and sustainability.
Carmine Nigro, chair of the LCBO board, said: “On behalf of the board, I commend George on a distinguished career and for strategically positioning the LCBO to continue its important role in the beverage alcohol industry for decades to come.
“Over his tenure, George earned a reputation as an innovative, award-winning, and values-based leader. His dedication, insight, and expertise will leave a lasting mark on our organisation.”
Addressing Campbell taking over as interim president and CEO, effective from 1 February 2026, Nigro added: “In addition to extensive experience in public service, Aaron has a deep understanding of LCBO’s operations and strong connections with industry stakeholders and Ontario’s local producers.
“Aaron is well-positioned to lead the agency as we work through next steps and the board thanks him for his leadership at this critical time.”
‘The right time’
Soleas first joined the LCBO – which acts as a government-run agency that controls liquor stores across the province of Ontario – in 1997.
He began at the organisation as vice-president for quality assurance and specialty services, moving up the ladder to become executive vice-president in 2013 before assuming the president and CEO mantle in 2016, which he’s now held for close to decade.
On LinkedIn he shared: “While I look forward to supporting the business through the holiday season, with Ontario’s retail modernisation complete it’s the right time for new leadership and I have full confidence in Aaron Campbell.”
In a statement, he expressed it had been a true honour to lead the organisation and to “work alongside such talented and passionate team members across all areas of the business”.
“I am deeply proud that, together, we’ve grown into one of the world’s leading beverage alcohol wholesalers and retailers, built on a culture of integrity, innovation, and service,” he said.
“I want to thank our people, partners, and customers who have made this journey so rewarding. As I begin a new chapter, I will always be a champion of the LCBO and look forward to seeing its continued growth and evolution in the industry.”
The LCBO’s board of directors noted that its commitment to its customers and the community will continue, and it will ensure a stable and effective transition of leadership over the coming months.
Trade tensions have shaken up the spirits market in Canada this year with provinces pulling US-made spirits off shelves in response to tariffs. Recently, Nova Scotia and Manitoba both chose to sell their US inventory for charity.
The LCBO had previously listed more than 3,600 alcoholic products from the US, which remain unavailable for sale.
Ontario premier Doug Ford has also threatened to delist Crown Royal whisky from LCBO stores, following Diageo’s decision to shut down the whisky’s bottling facility in Amherstburg.
Related news
Manitoba in Canada to sell US alcohol
