(February 25, 2016 – Toronto, ON) – Helga Stephenson, Chief Executive Officer of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, will be stepping down, it was announced today by Academy Chair Martin Katz. An executive search is now underway and Stephenson will remain as Academy CEO until this position is filled.
Stephenson says she is looking forward to more world travel and other new challenges, but is extremely pleased with the work she has done for the Academy and the entire Canadian screen industry. “On a personal note, it has been my honour and privilege to work with you over the past five years. My admiration for your passion, talent and creativity knows no bounds,” said Stephenson.
Often described as a “powerhouse,” Stephenson is a multi-award-winning film and media arts leader who has served as Executive Director of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Chair of Viacom Canada. She also worked in communications for the Canada Council and the National Arts Centre. Her clients over the years include: AOL Time Warner, the Toronto Film Critics Awards, Telefilm Canada, Musée de Beaux Arts and the Canadian Film Centre. She served as Chair of the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival and Co-Chair of Metro Toronto Round Table on Culture. She has advised the City of Toronto Mayor’s Economic Partnership Council and the Women’s Leadership Conference of the Americas.
Stephenson has been Academy CEO since May 2011 and spearheaded the merger of the Academy’s film, television and digital media awards into the Canadian Screen Awards. She created Canadian Screen Week, an event-filled calendar for both industry veterans and newcomers, with a distinctly new outreach program to the Canadian public.
