OTTAWA – This is the last week of work at the Canadian Association of Broadcasters for Elizabeth Roscoe.
The CAB’s executive vice-president, strategic policy and public affairs planning is leaving the broadcasters’ group for strategic communications consultants Hill & Knowlton. Roscoe has been hired as senior vice-president and deputy practice leader, public affairs and will be based in Ottawa.
After almost 20 years in the industry (including a stint at the now defunct Canadian Cable Television Association) Roscoe told Cartt.ca it was time to move on to other challenges.
“This was entirely her decision,” added CAB chair Charlotte Bell in a chat with Cartt.ca. “There was nothing behind the scenes or anything.”
“Over the years, Elizabeth has very aptly led the policy, regulatory and public affairs activities of the Association and leaves in place a dedicated and professional team to serve CAB members,” said Bell in an e-mail to members this week.
“I’m sure you will all agree that Elizabeth has shown a tremendous degree of professionalism and leadership during her entire tenure at the Association, and especially over the past year which has seen a lot of change and has been extremely busy. I know I will miss Elizabeth’s dedication, wise counsel and sense of humour as she moves on.
Pierre Louis Smith, vice-president policy and chief regulatory officer and Tara Rajan vice-president research and policy, will oversee the policy, regulatory and research activity of the association for now.
“We will take the necessary steps to ensure that we are resourced appropriately on the public affairs front and will advise members accordingly,” wrote Bell.
However, what few are commenting on is the future of the CAB itself. It was downsized dramatically last year and the organization has been without a president for nearly a year now, although it came close to offering former Deputy Prime Minister Sheila Copps the job earlier this year, as Cartt.ca reported.
Bell says the board is still looking for a suitable president and CEO.
However, if there is going to be any news on the CAB, it won’t be until after its annual general meeting on December 1st.
– Greg O’Brien
