The Department of Canadian Heritage has tapped boardroom veteran Timothy Casgrain as the new chairman of the CBC.

The 58-year-old former accountant is currently chair of the aviation company Skyservice Investments. He is also a former EVP of Toronto-based Brascan Financial Corporation, and has held chair positions on several boards, including those of Canadian Foundation for Economic Education and Century II Holdings.

He has had little experience with the arts or broadcasting, but, reached at his Toronto office on Monday, remarked, ‘I’ve got a very strong business background and I come with an open view of how to move forward in an environment that’s very turbulent.’

He added that he is thrilled at the chance to ‘open up the lines of communication all across the country,’ but declined any further comment.

Casgrain takes over from CBC president and CEO Robert Rabinovitch, who has filled in as acting chairman since September, when former chair Guy Fournier resigned amid complaints over his controversial remarks in a Quebec gossip magazine and on a Toronto radio station, in which he joked about sexual conduct in Lebanon.

‘The credentials Mr. Casgrain brings to the CBC will provide strong leadership,’ said Heritage Minister Bev Oda in a release, adding, ‘I am confident that his experience and sound judgment will greatly benefit the CBC.’

His appointment becomes official on Saturday.