Norm Bolen leaving the Canadian Media Production Association

February 9, 2012 by Etan Vlessing

Norm Bolen will be leaving the Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) in June.

Bolen, who came on board to head up the then-Canadian Film and Television Production Association in 2009, will stay on as the top lobbyist for Canadian producers until just after Banff.

He’s decided to serve out his current three-year term as president and CEO of the CMPA, before returning to semi-retirement.

“Though I will always remain a passionate supporter of the independent production sector, the time is right for me to step back and have a little fun as I ponder what comes next,” Bolen said in a statement Thursday.

Bolen, a former executive VP of content for Alliance Atlantis Communications, was recruited to head up the producers’ association just as it went into hard-fought negotiations for a Terms of Trade agreement with Canada’s major private broadcast groups.

That pact was concluded in April 2011, and was followed by a national roadshow by Bolen and his team to ensure producers buy into the terms of trade agreement.

With that push behind the CMPA, Bolen is leaving the association after a job well done, according to insiders.

“Three years ago, Norm put his personal plans on hold to serve as president and CEO of our association during a pivotal time for both our organization and the industry,” CMPA chair Tom Cox said in his own statement.

“His contributions have been immeasurable and we thank him for his steadfast commitment and exemplary leadership,” he added.

Before joining Alliance Atlantis in 1997, Bolen spent 21 years at the CBC as a journalist and executive, working his way up to head of network television current affairs.

Tags: Canadian Media Production Association, CMPA, Norm Bolen

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