Christina Dickenson will step down as CEO and executive director of Telefilm Canada after four years at the helm.

Her final day with the funder will be Sept. 9 and the Telefilm board of directors will begin a “comprehensive search” for a successor in the interim, according to board chair Robert Spickler.

Dickenson is moving on to “a new challenge within another organization,” she said in a statement.

“I am proud of the Telefilm team, an accomplished and passionate team of dedicated professionals who have proven to be particularly agile and determined during this period of profound transformation,” said Dickenson. “Telefilm has a solid foundation to continue to support the audiovisual industry as a whole and enable it to flourish. The future of this industry is promising.”

Dickenson was appointed as the head of Telefilm in 2018 after former executive director Carolle Brabant retired from the role. Before Telefilm, Dickenson served as president and CEO of Interactive Ontario, and also held roles at Rogers Communications, CTV and CPAC.

In her four years at Telefilm, Dickenson led the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, providing millions in emergency relief funds, as well as its largest pan-consultation process to date in its efforts to modernize its data collection, program requirements and success measurement tools.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Christa for her invaluable contribution to both Telefilm and Canada’s audiovisual sector,” said Spickler. “The optimization of programs combined with the management of emergency measures and funds for the industry, due to the pandemic, demonstrate that her contribution has not only been considerable but vital. She has been rigorous, bold and skilled at leading the change within the organization and has put in place an experienced executive leadership team that will ensure continuity in the service of Telefilm’s mission. The board will take the necessary steps with the government to ensure a smooth transition.”

Image courtesy of Telefilm