Bell Media president Sean Cohan has been appointed as chair of the Banff World Media Festival’s (BANFF) board of directors.

He succeeds outgoing chair Kevin Beggs. who will remain on the board. Beggs is chair and chief creative officer at Lionsgate Television Group.

Cohan was hired as president of Bell Media in 2023, taking over from Wade Oosterman. His remit includes overseeing the leadership teams for Bell Media’s entertainment, news and advertising businesses.

Prior to joining Bell Media, Cohan was chief growth officer and president at data analytics firm Nielsen, leading its strategy and corporate development. He spent 15 years at A+E Networks, rising to the role of president, international and digital media.

“I am honoured to assume the board chair position at BANFF,” said Cohan in a statement. “With a reputation as a robust event at the forefront of the conversations that matter most in our global industry, the Festival is primed for growth.”

Jenn Kuzmyk, executive director of BANFF and VP, publisher of Playback, said Cohan’s “forward-thinking vision and global perspective will be invaluable,” adding that outgoing chair Beggs’ “dedication has elevated the Festival to new heights, strengthening its position as a premier global media event.”

Beggs said his last three years as chair of the BANFF foundation has “been a true privilege,” adding, “I have seen the Festival grow to be a place where integral conversations about the future of the industry happen, and where some of the world’s most innovative creatives and executives gather.”

Image courtesy of BANFF