Changes at the Academy
by Staff Editors
(December 12, 2023 – Toronto, ON) The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television has announced key changes at the top of the organization. Thomas Santram (Senior Vice President & General Counsel at Cineplex, pictured above on the left) has been elected as the Chair of the Board of Directors. In addition, Solange Attwood (former EVP, Blue Ant International) has been elected to the role of Vice-Chair which was previously held by Santram. These positions became effective on December 7, 2023.
“I am honoured to step into the role of Chair and to expand my work with the Canadian Academy, especially at such a pivotal time in the ever-changing landscape of film and television,” said Santram. “I’d like to thank John Young for his impeccable leadership and commitment to the organization; I am inspired by the accomplishments that he achieved during his time as Chair, and am committed to building upon those achievements to further the Canadian Academy’s commitment to celebrating and nurturing Canadian talent.”
“It has been an absolute pleasure to serve as the Academy’s Chair of the Board of Directors for the past four years,” said John Young, CEO, Boat Rocker Media and ex-officio, Past Chair. “The organization has gone through momentous change since I joined the Board in 2011, and it has been incredibly fulfilling to have had a hand in its growth and prosperity, especially during the challenges of the past few years. I’d also like to welcome Thomas into the role of Chair; I have had the privilege of working alongside Thomas in his previous role as Vice-Chair, and know that the organization is in great hands under his tutelage.”
“On behalf of the Canadian Academy’s Board of Directors, I would like to extend my gratitude to John Young for his outstanding leadership and guidance during his time as Chair of the Board,” said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “During his impressive 12-year tenure, John provided immeasurable counsel and support to the Canadian Academy during a time of great transition, especially as we navigated the difficulties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to working alongside Thomas Santram and Solange Attwood to usher in the next phase of the Academy, and to build on the successes that their predecessors achieved.”
The election of Thomas Santram as Chair and Solange Attwood as Vice-Chair rounds out the Board of Director’s Executive Committee, consisting of Secretary Scott Henderson (Communications and Media Consultant) and Treasurer Anita McOuat (Partner at PWC). Additionally, Magali Simard (Director, Industry and Community Relations, Cinespace Studios Toronto) has also been appointed to the Board of Directors.
SOURCE: The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
