New business — Touché
Media agency Touché has extended its relationship with longtime clients Tourism Montreal and Metro.
Tourism Montreal elected to continue its 10-year relationship with the agency following a “rigorous” RFP process. “This is a pivotal time for Tourism Montreal as we navigate a new reality for global travellers,” said CMO Sylvie Charette in a release. “Touché is the partner of choice to support us in our performance-driven ambition. Their in-depth knowledge of the tourism industry and their experienced team in media strategy and analytics make Touché an essential ally for Tourism Montreal.”
Touché has also extended its agency of record relationship with Metro to include all of the grocery retailer’s banners in Quebec and Ontario. Its Toronto and Montreal offices will be responsible for media strategy, planning and buying for traditional and digital placements.
“We are very proud to continue the adventure with Tourism Montreal and expand our scope with Metro,” said Touché’s CEO Karine Courtemanche. “We look forward to continuing putting our expertise and creativity to work for our clients to drive business success.”
Appointments – T1
Toronto agency T1 has announced two key senior appointments, with Nithya Ramachandran named president and chief strategy officer, and Liz Rose taking over as general manager.
Ramachandran’s has worked across a broad assortment of marketing categories including energy, CPG, cannabis and tech with stints at PwC, Edelman and National Public Relations.
“Being one of the few women of colour that heads an agency in Canada is a humbling experience—we have so much more to do in the industry,” said Ramachandran. “We have an incredibly diverse, inclusive, and talented team that is creating impact wherever they go.”
Rose, who succeeds Ramachandran as GM, has been with T1 for five years, most recently vice-president of client engagement. With a customer loyalty, brand and events background, Rose held progressively senior roles at Bond Brand Loyalty prior to joining T1.
“It’s time for a new era at T1,” said T1 founder Mark Harrison. “I’m excited for both Nithya and Liz and the entire leadership team at T1 to fly the agency to new heights.” The new appointments follow the late 2022 hirings of Katee Hui as senior director of strategy, and Matt Leroux as director of activations.
Appointments —Rodmell & Company
Former Loblaw marketer Uwe Stueckmann (left) has joined the advisory board of retail branding and creative agency Rodmell & Company. He spent 13 years at Loblaw was most recently EVP and chief customer officer at Loblaw.
“Rodmell & Company is the perfect retail agency model,” said Stueckmann in a release. “I love their philosophy, creativity and focus on driving business performance for their clients. I’m excited to bring value to the business and their clients.”
“Uwe’s expertise spans all of the key service verticals of our business,” said president Patrick Rodmell. “From branding and marketing, to store design and private brands, to digital and loyalty, Uwe’s seen and done it all. We’re thrilled to have his support raising our bar even higher.”
Retirement / Promotions — Air Canada
Air Canada announced that executive vice-president and chief commercial officer Lucie Guillemette will retire at the end of April. With her departure, Mark Nasr, will become executive vice-president, marketing and digital, and president of Aeroplan, while Mark Galardo, will become executive vice-president, revenue and network planning, including responsibility for Air Canada Vacations.
Guillemette started as a call centre agency with Air Canada 36 years ago, earning a large number of promotions across a broad range of key leadership positions.
“She is a leader who inspired her teams and all employees with her passion for customer service, her deep personal regard for her colleagues, and her unwavering commitment to our company’s success,” said Michael Rousseau, president and chief executive of Air Canada.
