BCLC CEO and president diagnosed with cancer

Jim Lightbody. (via Contributed/BCLC)

Jim Lightbody — the CEO and president of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation — will be on medical leave next month as he battles a cancer diagnosis.

In a news release issued today (Aug. 27), BCLC says board member Greg Moore will assume Lightbody's responsibilities in the interim starting in mid-September.

"Jim Lightbody’s number one priority must be his treatment and recovery,” says board chair Peter Kappel in the release. "BCLC’s board of directors, executive team and staff express their gratitude and support to Jim for his contributions and leadership of the organization and we extend our concern during this challenging time."

.@BCLC has announced president and CEO @BCLC_CEO has been diagnosed w/ cancer & will be taking medical leave while he undergoes treatment/recovery. Greg Moore to assume role in the interim. Moore will stay in Lower Mainland, but will split his time between #Vancouver, #Kamloops

— Tereza Verenca (@tverenca) August 27, 2019

Kappel notes Moore is "well-positioned" to lead BCLC's executive team. Moore joined the board in November 2018. His resume includes being the mayor of Port Coquitlam from 2008 to 2018 and chairing the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors from 2011 to 2018.

It's anticipated Lightbody's leave may extend into early 2020, notes the company's statement. Moore will be based in the Lower Mainland but split his time between the Kamloops and Vancouver offices.

Lightbody joined BCLC in 2001 and has been at the helm of the Crown corporation since January 2014.