Michael Hennessy to helm CMPA

Telus exec Michael Hennessy is joining the Canadian Media Production Association as president and CEO, effective June 18, 2012.

Hennessy takes over from the outgoing president and CEO Norm Bolen.

Over the past 25 years, he’s leveraged his background in communications to help shape the evolution of public policy and regulation in telecommunications, broadcasting, Internet and wireless in both the public and private sectors.

Most recently, Hennessy served as SVP, regulatory and government affairs at Telus where he was responsible for the overall direction of the company’s regulatory and advocacy strategies across multiple business lines. His use of social media helped his team secure important policy wins as part of a collaborative Telus public affairs strategy involving multi-stakeholders.

He’s also served as president and CEO of the Canadian Cable Telecommunications Association (CCTA), and as a member of the board and executive committee of the Canadian Television Fund.

“I am energized and delighted to be joining the CMPA at this exciting yet challenging time,” said Hennessy in a statement. “As distribution for content in Canada and around the world continues to evolve over online and wireless, as well as traditional on demand platforms, it is crucial for our member businesses to re-examine our current business models in order to better respond to the new demands of consumers and audiences. By aligning our businesses with emerging market realities we can ensure the ongoing growth and success of the independent production sector within the digital economy both in Canada and in international markets.”

“Michael’s expertise in developing strategy to succeed in an increasingly borderless world will help boost the delivery of Canadian content across all platforms,” said Tom Cox, CMPA chair in a statement. “Michael is already a known and respected member of our community. He is a natural leader to help position our members in this ever-changing universe.”

Mr. Hennessy is currently a member of the board and vice-chair of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA), and past Chair and current director of the Banff World Media Festival board. He also serves as director of the National Board of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and chair of the Smart Regulation Committee of the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC).

Published by CIAIC

CIAIC, a non-profit trade association founded in 2005, relies on partnerships to build on long standing tradition and to position Canada as the best place in the world to make video games, in line with two main objectives: - To facilitate great networking with international VIPs including publishers, investors and studio heads; and - To give Canadian game developers a chance to celebrate their great accomplishments.

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