Canadian Marketing Association Announces Two New Board Directors, Appoints Vice-Chair and Expands Affiliate Category

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At its annual general meeting today, the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) announced the election of two new directors to its board, appointment of a new vice-chair and approval of updates to its bylaws to broaden individual participation in the CMA community.

Joining the board is Susan Irving, chief marketing officer of Kruger Products and Bryan Kane, chief executive officer of FCB Canada. Their appointments further strengthen the board’s breadth of experience across the marketing industry. Appointed to vice-chair of the board is Meghan Nameth, president and chief operating officer at Heads Up.

“Susan and Bryan are highly respected marketing leaders who bring valuable insights and deep experience to our board,” said Alan Depencier, SVP and chief marketing officer of commercial banking and insurance at RBC and chair of the CMA board. “I look forward to working with them and our returning directors as we continue to support the advancement of marketing in Canada. I’m thrilled to be working closely with Meghan, now in the vice-chair role. The board will continue to benefit from her strong expertise, SME experience and over 25 years of success in the industry.”

Irving brings more than two decades of marketing leadership with major global brands such as Warner Lambert, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. She has received numerous industry accolades, including CMA awards, Cassies, Cannes Lions, Cleos, Effies and Media Innovation Awards. She was named CMA Marketer of the Year in 2021 and received a 2025 Inspiring Women award from Campaign US. Irving is a member of the CMA’s Media Council and a board member of Canadian Women & Sport and the Ontario Hockey Federation.

Kane brings extensive agency leadership and digital innovation experience to the board. Prior to joining FCB, he served as president of Publicis Toronto and managing director of Publicis Modem Canada. He chaired the CMA’s Creativity Council from 2021 to 2024 and has led FCB to multiple Agency of the Year awards. His work has helped drive results for brands such as BMO, Metro, Bombardier, Power Corporation, Mackenzie Financial and the Ontario Lottery Corporation.

Nameth brings significant senior marketing experience gained from leading iconic brands in the consumer goods, financial services and retail space, including P&G, TD and Loblaw, in addition to SME experience.

At the meeting, CMA members approved a bylaw amendment to introduce a new category of individual affiliate. The new category allows individuals who meet certain criteria — such as Chartered Marketers not employed by CMA member companies, marketers in transition or newcomers — to sign up as affiliates in order to participate in CMA activities, such as attending events and educational sessions at member rates and accessing resources.

The complete list of board members for 2025-26 is:

• Alan Depencier (board chair), senior vice-president and chief marketing officer, commercial banking and insurance, RBC
• Meghan Nameth (vice-chair), president and chief operating officer, Heads Up
• Isaac Adejuwon, chief executive officer and founder, Metricsflow
• Brent Chaters, managing director, marketing transformation (Canada), Accenture
• Sophie Deschênes-Hébert, senior legal counsel, TELUS
• Jeff Greenspoon, chief global client officer and chief business officer, dentsu
• Susan Irving, chief marketing officer, Kruger Products
• Bilal Jaffery, senior partner, Blend360
• Bryan Kane, chief executive officer, FCB Canada
• Devorah Lithwick, chief brand officer, Bell Canada
• Nicky Mezo, vice-president of marketing, everyday and small business banking, TD
• Laura Pearce, head of marketing, Google Canada
• John Peco, associate dean, school of marketing, George Brown College
• Jacquie Ryan, chief executive officer of the Canadian Olympic Foundation and chief brand and commercial officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee
• Eva Salem, senior vice-president, marketing and brand, Canadian Tire
• Evan Wood, executive vice-president and chief strategy officer, Environics Analytics

“This year’s board appointments and the introduction of our new individual affiliate category reflect our continued focus on building a diverse, forward-looking and inclusive marketing community,” said Alison Simpson, president and chief executive officer of the CMA. “We’re committed to futureproofing the marketing profession and ensuring our community has opportunities to grow, connect and lead. Our talented board play a key role in our ability to deliver on this mandate and I’m excited for all we will accomplish together.”

About the Canadian Marketing Association

The CMA is the voice of marketing in Canada and our purpose is to champion marketing’s powerful impact. We are the catalyst to help Canada’s marketers thrive today, while building the marketing mindset and environment of tomorrow.

We provide opportunities for our members from coast to coast to develop professionally, to contribute to marketing thought leadership, to build strong networks and to strengthen the regulatory climate for business success. Our Chartered Marketer (CM) designation signifies that recipients are highly qualified and up to date with best practices, as reflected in the Canadian Marketing Code of Ethics and Standards. We represent virtually all of Canada's major business sectors, and all marketing disciplines, channels and technologies. Our Consumer Centre helps Canadians better understand their rights and obligations. For more information, visit thecma.ca.