Departures—Postmedia
Postmedia Network Canada Corp. announced that Paul Godfrey—one of the top executives in Toronto and Canadian media going back to the mid ’80s—will step down from his role as chair of its board of directors at the end of the year. Jamie Irving, currently a director of Postmedia’s Board, will become executive chair.
“I have always believed in the critical importance of a robust news media industry for our country,” said Godfrey. “It has been my sincere honour and privilege as Postmedia’s founder to champion our company and our people through tremendous transformation. I will continue to serve as a proud member of the team as special adviser to our exceptional board and management team, at the completion of my term as board chair”.
New hires—Blackjet
After two years working as a strategic consultant with Blackjet, Neale Halliday has officially joined the agency as head of strategy. Based in London, Halliday will give Blackjet new representation in the U.K. allowing it to explore new business opportunities in Europe.
Halliday has 30 years of experience in advertising, branding and media, having previously worked at BBDO, OMD and TBWA offices in the U.K., Canada and the U.S. “Neale brings a tremendous breadth of strategy experience,” said CEO Rob Galletta. “He’s helped shape our strategic offering, so I’m very pleased he’s agreed to join us on a formal basis.”
New hires—Golin
Interpublic Group PR agency Golin has appointed Renee Weekes Duncan as senior vice-president to lead the consumer portfolio—including Staples, Amazon Prime Video, Columbia Sportswear, and Emma Sleep Company.
“Renee is an important senior addition for us, bringing vast consumer brand experience to our growing team and practice areas (consumer, corporate and wellness),” said Golin Canada managing director Lindsay Peterson. “We know she will bring a fresh and seasoned perspective to our valued clients having both agency and in-house experience behind her.”
Duncan is also a co-founder of Code Black Communicator Network, dedicated to empowering present and future Black marketing communications professionals.
New Hires—Epitaph Group
Three-year-old independent Epitaph Group has hired Jordan Lauper to lead the media agency’s client and strategic requirements, assuming oversight of all client and strategic responsibilities across Canada and the U.S.
“Jordan and I have worked together previously, and he is perfect for our next phase of growth as he has run complex, strategically led clients such as TD Bank & Ford,” said Epitaph founder Mike Rumble.
Lauper takes over the role from Emily Clarey, who is now the agency’s head of marketing strategy, responsible for all outbound communication, new business and relationship building.
Epitaph Group has grown to 40 people following a series of recent client wins that includes Amica Senior Lifestyles, EQBank and Asahi.
Promotions—Destination Toronto
Toronto’s tourism marketer Destination Toronto has appointed Paula Port its new vice-president of global marketing.
Port, who has been with Destination Toronto for more than 20 years, will lead strategic development and the implementation of marketing and communications. She was previously director, brand and content, where she established content marketing as a core function of the organization, prioritizing diversified content and editorial contributors.
“Paula’s leadership and passion for this city has been instrumental in helping us reflect the authentic voices that make Toronto such a vibrant global destination,” said Scott Beck, CEO and president of Destination Toronto. ”I know her enthusiasm and commitment to authentically sharing the depth and diversity of Toronto will support the city’s economic recovery and help us grow the impact of travel in the years to come.”
Promotions—Zulu Alpha Kilo
Zulu Alpha Kilo recently promoted Robyn Morrissey and Jessica Hill to managing directors, sharing leadership of the agency’s 25-person client services team in Toronto.
Over her nearly 10 years with the agency, Morrissey has led long-time Zulu clients including Bell, Cineplex and Interac. Hill was one of the agency’s earliest employees, leading the Bell account from 2008 to 2010 before leaving to start a photography business. She then rejoined the agency’s ranks in 2020 as business group director.
“Creating opportunities for growth within Zulu is one of the most exciting parts of our business,” said president and CEO Mike Sutton. “Jessica and Robyn are both strong leaders who’ve been an integral part of our success in recent years and I’m thrilled to work closely with them to build on our current momentum.”
