BANFF announces new Board members from Banijay, Fifth Season and YouTube, alongside leadership updates

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) is thrilled to announce the appointment of new members and a new executive appointment to its esteemed Foundation Board of Directors.

Joining the BANFF Board are three distinguished industry leaders:
● Prentiss Fraser, President, Television Distribution, FIFTH SEASON
● Andrew Peterson, Head of YouTube Canada
● Jane Rimer, Senior Vice President, Canada, Banijay Rights

In addition, Patrick Vien, Group Managing Director, International at A+E Networks, has been appointed as Vice Chair of the Board, succeeding Brenda Gilbert, producer and Co-Founder of BRON Media who will be remaining on the Board of Directors.

BANFF also recognizes and thanks two retiring Board Members for their outstanding contributions:
● Sally Catto, General Manager of Entertainment, Factual and Sports, CBC
● Colin Bohm, Chief Executive Officer, Toon Boom Animation Inc.

These leadership changes come on the heels of Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media, being recently named Chair of BANFF's Board of Directors.

"This is a pivotal moment for BANFF as we continue to grow our impact on and service to the global media industry," said Cohan. "With the addition of such accomplished leaders to our Board, we are well-positioned to advance the Festival's mission of facilitating major business partnerships and fostering creative collaboration on new film, TV and digital projects. There is more to come as we lead up to the 2025 festival. Stay tuned."

BANFF names Bell Media's Sean Cohan as Board Chair

BANFF is thrilled to announce that Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media, has been elected Chair of the BANFF Foundation Board of Directors.

Cohan steps into the role following the tenure of Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate Television Group Chair & Chief Creative Officer, who served as Chair of the Board for three years. Beggs will continue to serve on the BANFF Board, ensuring his valuable experience remains an asset to the organization.

"I am honoured to assume the Board Chair position at BANFF. With a reputation as a robust event at the forefront of the conversations that matter most in our global industry, the Festival is primed for growth. I look forward to collaborating with the team and continuing the work of the incomparable Kevin Beggs to expand BANFF's global impact while showcasing the many opportunities Canadian companies, organizations and creatives bring to our industry," said Cohan.

"We're delighted to welcome Sean as the new Chair to guide BANFF into its next chapter. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Sean's forward-thinking vision and global perspective will be invaluable in shaping the future of the festival and fostering innovation across the industry," added BANFF's Executive Director, Jenn Kuzmyk. "We're deeply grateful for Kevin's incredible contribution over the last few years as Chair. His dedication has elevated the festival to new heights, strengthening its position as a premiere global media event. We're so pleased to have Kevin remain on board, continuing to lend his expertise."

"It's been a true privilege to serve as Chair of the BANFF Foundation Board for the last three years," said Beggs. "I have seen the Festival grow to be a place where integral conversations about the future of the industry happen, and where some of the world's most innovative creatives and executives gather. It's like no other event. I have no doubt that with the supremely talented Sean Cohan now at the helm, the Festival is in excellent hands."

Appointed President of Bell Media, Canada's leading media and entertainment company, in 2023, Cohan is responsible for Bell Media's globally unique portfolio of premium video, audio, out-of-home advertising and digital media. These include Canada's #1 broadcast network (CTV), its leading sports properties (TSN & RDS), #1 national and local news (CTV News), the largest-Canadian-owned video streaming service (Crave), industry-leading out-of-home advertising player (Astral) and audio platforms (iHeart Radio).

Cohan has spent decades in media and consumer businesses, including a 15-year tenure at A+E Networks ultimately in the role of President, International and Digital Media. At A+E, Cohan's teams were credited with driving global content, digital, and commercial transformation, and rapid growth.

Most recently, Cohan was Chief Growth Officer & President at Nielsen, a global measurement and data analytics giant. Cohan managed the strategy, corporate development, partnerships, and international efforts and teams and had a leadership role in its successful 2022 take-private transaction.

A purpose-driven leader, Cohan has a Bachelor of Arts, Economics from Harvard University, an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and holds several Board positions, including 8 years on the Banff World Media Festival Board of Directors. Cohan has twice been named to Savoy Magazine's Influential Black Executives in Corporate America list and its Most Influential Corporate Directors list.