Lori Davison leaving SickKids foundation to lead ROM marketing

Lori Davison is leaving the SickKids Foundation to become chief marketing and communications officer for the Royal Ontario Museum, effective Aug. 24.

During Davison’s six years as vice-president brand strategy and communications for the fundraising arm of the world-renowned children’s hospital in downtown Toronto, SickKids Foundation was consistently recognized for its bold marketing and advertising—including the groundbreaking SickKids Vs campaign introduced in 2016, with a lofty fundraising goal of $1.3 billion.

“Lori is a highly accomplished marketing executive, recognized for her creative leadership and strategic vision,” said the ROM’s director and CEO, Josh Basseches, in a release.

Davison will oversee brand strategy, including marketing, communications, visitor experience, membership, promotions, French-language services, and research teams.

“Her track record of developing bold, innovative, and award-winning work has been transformative for organizations and their brands,” said Basseches. “Lori will play an important role in our ongoing mission to continue to build the ROM brand, deepen and broaden audience engagement, and expand our global presence as one of the world’s leading cultural institutions.”

Davison was named Marketer of the Year by the Canadian Marketing Association in 2017. Before joining SickKids Foundation, she held senior leader roles with Leo Burnett and BBDO.

“The ROM has long been an important destination for learning and inspiration for visitors from here and around the world,” said Davison in the release. “With a new strategic plan in place, the ROM is poised to become an even more powerful cultural force inside and outside its own walls… I see a tremendous opportunity for marketing and communications to help achieve that.”

Davison is replacing the retiring Sandy Bourne, who has been with the ROM since April 2014.

David Brown