OTTAWA – Industry veteran Michael Hennessy was named as the new president and CEO of the Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) on Thursday.
Hennessy (pictured) replaces Norm Bolen who announced in February that he would step down from the role that he has held for the past three years.
Most recently the SVP of regulatory and government affairs at Telus, Hennessy has served as president and CEO of the Canadian Cable Telecommunications Association (CCTA) and was also a member of the board and executive committee of the Canadian Television Fund. He is currently a member of the board and vice-chair of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA), director of the Banff World Media Festival board, a director of the National Board of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and chair of the Smart Regulation Committee of the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC).
“Michael’s expertise in developing strategy to succeed in an increasingly borderless world will help boost the delivery of Canadian content across all platforms,” said CMPA chair Tom Cox, in the announcement. “Michael is already a known and respected member of our community. He is a natural leader to help position our members in this ever-changing universe.”
“I am energized and delighted to be joining the CMPA at this exciting yet challenging time,” said Hennessy. “As distribution for content in Canada and around the world continues to evolve over online and wireless, as well as traditional on demand platforms, it is crucial for our member businesses to re-examine our current business models in order to better respond to the new demands of consumers and audiences. By aligning our businesses with emerging market realities we can ensure the ongoing growth and success of the independent production sector within the digital economy both in Canada and in international markets.”
Hennessy will assume his new role starting June 18.
