Gaming executive Michael Schmalz (pictured, left) has been appointed the CMF’s new chair of the board, succeeding outgoing chair Alain Cousineau, who left the board of directors after a thirteen-year tenure.

Appointed by the Department of Canadian Heritage in 2017, Schmalz is president of Digital Extremes, a development studio in the interactive entertainment industry, and has nearly two decades of experience in the digital media sector.

The CMF also announced the appointment of new director René Guimond (pictured, right) by the Canadian Coalition for Cultural Expression (CCCE). An executive and consultant, Guimond’s four decade career included being SVP, public affairs and communications at Cogeco, as well as other executive positions in advertising, public affairs, and broadcasting.

“I want to thank outgoing chair Alain Cousineau for his 13 years of service on the CMF’s board of directors,” said Schmalz in a statement. “Mr. Cousineau leaves behind a future-ready organization. And on behalf of the CMF and the board of directors, I wish to extend a warm welcome to René Guimond. We are eager to collaborate with Mr. Guimond to guide the CMF forward amidst a wide-reaching industry modernization effort.”

Guimond joins Schmalz and directors Alison Clayton, Barry Chapman, Chantale Coulombe, Gary Pizante, Guy Fournier, Russell Grosse and Sanae Takahashi on the CMF board.

The board of directors is fully independent from CMF management, funders and any beneficiaries.

Image courtesy the CMF.