The National Film Board of Canada has named Julia Qiwen Zhu as its new CFO and director general, finance and administration.

Zhu will assume the role effective Aug. 19, succeeding outgoing CFO Joanne Heller, who is retiring, a spokesperson for the NFB confirmed.

Heller will work with Zhu during her first few weeks to support a smooth transition.

Zhu has more than 15 years of experience in operational and commercial strategies, as well as the implementation of enterprise resource planning and performance planning. She most recently served as VP, finance at Montreal-based software company CM Labs Simulations.

Prior to joining CM Labs, Zhu held senior financing roles at the investment company CDPQ and the VFX company Technicolor Creative Studios.

The appointment follows a period of job cuts at the NFB as part of an ongoing modernization initiative. The changes have included the closure of its interactive studios and nearly 70 positions eliminated since January, with close to 30 roles created as a result of modernization efforts.

“The NFB must continue to adapt to sweeping changes in the audiovisual sector, while meeting the high expectations that Canadians have for accountability and sound financial management of public organizations,” said Suzanne Guèvremont, NFB chairperson and government film commissioner, in a statement. “Julia brings new vision and leadership to the vital role of CFO, and I know I’ll be able to rely on her as the NFB works to fulfill our mandate and continue to serve Canadians.”

Photo by Qauffeegraphy for the NFB