CBC is boosting its presence in the west with the appointment of production veteran Johnny Michel as regional director for B.C., effective July 3.

In the newly created position, Michel will oversee day-to-day regional operations, looking to raise the network’s profile and integrating its radio, television and digital platforms, along with the personalized news project MyCBC. Michel will report to Jane Chalmers, VP for English Radio and Fred Mattocks, executive director of regional programming for English Television.

‘There is no question that we’re in a highly dynamic period, which will no doubt create significant challenges, but also significant opportunities for all players. I believe we have a team in B.C. that will be able to capitalize on both,’ said Michel in a release.

Prior to joining CBC, Michel was VP of programming and production at the Vancouver multilingual station Channel M, and also worked for Global Television and BCTV, where he created the well-known ‘TV for BC’ campaign.

‘Johnny has a compelling vision to strengthen our relevance and our impact with audiences who demand more and better choices,’ said Chalmers. Last month CBC also hired former Brightlight Pictures exec Mary Quinn to scout talent and increase its presence in B.C.