After graduating from Welland High & Vocational School, Paul Beeston obtained a bachelor of arts degree, majoring in economics and political science, from the University of Western Ontario in 1968. He was promptly hired by Coopers & Lybrand in London and received his chartered accountant designation in 1971.
Beeston remained employed with the London firm until he was hired by the Toronto Blue Jays as their first employee on May 10, 1976. Initially the vice-president of administration, Beeston was promoted to vice-president of business operations with the club the following year. His rise through the Jays’ ranks continued when he was named executive vice-president of business in 1984 and president and chief operating officer (CEO) in 1989. On December 13, 1991, he was appointed the chief executive officer of the franchise, overseeing the Jays’ two World Series-winning teams.
In 1997, Beeston became the president and chief operating officer of Major League Baseball. The following year he was named a member of the Order of Canada. Beeston would be employed by Major League Baseball until 2002. In 2008, Beeston’s name was added to the Blue Jays’ Level of Excellence at Rogers Centre. The highly respected executive would return to the Jays as interim CEO in October 2008.
The Toronto Blue Jays announce the special appointment of Paul Beeston as President Emeritus on September 20, 2016, in honour and recognition of his many years of service and contributions to the organization.
