Robert Lantos and Harris Fricker have been appointed to the Academy Of Canadian Cinema & Television’s (ACCT) Board of Directors, effective immediately.

“The breadth and depth of expertise on our Academy Board is greatly enhanced with the addition of one of Canada’s leading producers, Robert Lantos, and financial expert Harris Fricker,” said Academy Chair Martin Katz in a statement.

Hailing Order of Canada member and Serendipity Point Films producer Lantos as “one of our country’s most celebrated film and television producers… in broadcasting and distribution both in Canada and abroad,” Katz also praised Rhodes Scholar Fricker, GMP Capital’s CEO, as “a serial entrepreneur…with acumen as an investment and securities CEO”  and pointed out that “in keeping with sound governance practice, we welcome respected leaders from beyond our industry to join our board as independent directors.”

Lantos, co-founder of Alliance Communications, which launched the Showcase and History networks,  has also produced such Academy Award-nominated fare as The Sweet Hereafter (which also capture Cannes’ Grand Prix), Being Julia, Eastern Promises and Barney’s Version, while his notable Gemini Award-winning TV series include Due South, North of 60, E.N.G., Counterstrike, Bordertown and Night Heat.

As well as his position as CEO of GMP Capital Inc., Fricker is also the Co-Chairman of GMP Securities Europe LLP, and has more than a decade of experience in the North American capital markets. He has also held senior roles in numerous Canadian financial institutions, and holds a BA from St. Xavier University and an MA from Oxford.

The duo replace departing board members Bryan Gliserman (co-President, Entertainment One Films) and Mary Powers,(President, MPowers Communications.)