TORONTO – Alliance Atlantis Broadcasting CEO and AAC Inc. COO Phyllis Yaffe was today appointed CEO of the firm.
The move is designed to further align it with the company’s focus on maintaining exceptional performance and continuing our strategic growth within the broadcast industry, said company founder Michael MacMillan.
Effective immediately, MacMillan becomes executive chairman of Alliance Atlantis, dropping his CEO role for Yaffe. As executive chairman, MacMillan will “continue to focus his efforts on overseeing the long-term growth and direction of the company,” says the press release.
Yaffe will assume responsibility for day-to-day leadership of the company
"Alliance Atlantis has never been stronger and I believe that the new management structure reflects the next phase in the evolution of the Company," said MacMillan.
The company is not hiring a new COO to replace Yaffe.
"I am proud of the transformation that Alliance Atlantis has accomplished over the past number of years and today’s announcement will allow me to focus on ensuring we are well-positioned to continue to grow our business and leverage our strengths in a changing environment," he added.
"For our shareholders, our advertisers, our subscribers and our employees, it is important that we maximize the opportunities arising from the ongoing evolution of the broadcast business.
"Phyllis has excelled in every role she has held at the company, most recently as our Chief Operating Officer," stated MacMillan. "It is apparent to both me and the board of directors that the reality is that Phyllis already has responsibility for the operating businesses of the company and I believe it is appropriate that she have the full authority and the office of chief executive officer. Becoming Executive Chair allows me to shift my perspective, and to dedicate the appropriate time and resources to long-term planning and growth strategies for Alliance Atlantis."
“I am very excited with the prospect of continuing to work closely with Michael and the rest of the senior management team in our organization," said Yaffe. "The new management structure will allow us to plan for the future and focus our efforts on continuing to lead the industry in such a fast-paced and dynamic environment."
Anthony Griffiths, lead director of the Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc. board of directors will continue in that role.
