French-language public broadcaster TFO’s senior executive Claude Sauvé (pictured) has announced plans to retire after more than 40 years in the media industry.

Sauvé will begin a gradual departure of his role as VP, content and productions in spring 2024, overseeing the transition and recruitment for the position. The hiring process for the role, which is responsible for content development, production, acquisition and broadcasting at the pubcaster, will be announced in the coming weeks, according to a news release issued Thursday (Oct. 19).

Sauvé took up the role on a temporary part-time contract in 2020, before assuming it permanently for two years. He initially worked for the broadcaster between 2008 and 2011 as senior director, programming, communications and marketing.

In the release, TFO credited Sauvé for leading recent initiatives to increase the visibility of TFO’s content, including the redesign of digital platforms that enable live viewing in Ontario and Manitoba, and on demand across Canada, free of charge. He also secured funding deals for the development of original content, and established partnerships with Canada’s French-language minority production companies.

Sauvé began his career at Vidéotron in Montreal, where he worked for 27 years and served in various roles in operations management, marketing and programming, eventually assuming the title of VP. He also held other positions such strategic advisor to the president at French-language sports broadcaster RDS and director of programming at Pelmorex/Météomédia.

“I came back to TFO because I feel very strongly about its mandate and the essential role it plays as an educational and cultural media for the Franco- Ontarian community and for the Canadian Francophonie in general,” said Sauvé in a statement.

“Claude’s enormous contribution has galvanized the place of Franco-Ontarians on Canadian screens, and enabled TFO to continue reaching new heights in its role as a vehicle for building Franco-Ontarian identity,” added TFO CEO Michelle Séguin.

Photo courtesy of TFO