Monika Ille has been named as APTN’s new CEO, succeeding longtime head Jean La Rose.

Ille (pictured), who takes over the CEO position on Dec. 16, has worked at the Indigenous broadcaster for 16 years. Most recently, she held the role of executive director of programming, and previously served as programming manager for the eastern region.

APTN announced in April that La Rose will depart as CEO at the end of 2019, after serving 17 years as head of the broadcaster. The board of directors launched a national search to find a new APTN leader before deciding to up Ille to the role. Ille, who “impressed” the board with her vision for the broadcaster, is expected to “steer the network into an exciting era of growth” during a time when audience viewing habits are rapidly changing, according to APTN chairperson Jocelyn Formsma.

The broadcaster launched its own streaming service lumi in September – 20 years after the launch of the service – making all titles on its linear channel available for $4.99 a month. APTN’s distribution arm, Animiki See Distribution, recently made its MIPCOM debut, shopping titles such as First Contact and Tribal Police Files.

Ille takes on the role months after the CRTC launched a review of its Indigenous broadcasting policy in an effort to “modernize the existing regulatory framework” to better support the Indigenous community within Canada’s broadcasting system. The review has prioritized the Indigenous community, with phase one focusing on conversations with Indigenous broadcasters and creators, before moving into a public consultation in phase two.

Image courtesy of APTN