According to McKinsey, it will take 118 years to reach true gender parity in the C-suite – unless we create change now. This is an opportunity to reflect and recognize all the women leaders who are rising up with confidence, purpose, and integrity while building a more inclusive and sustainable society for all.
Shannon Lewis
President, Canadian Media Directors Council
An executive communications leader, with 20+ years of international experience in the Advertising, Media and Communications industries. Passionate and driven. Shannon champions CMDC’s business objectives with sound strategy, inspired creativity, and humanity.CMDC actively operates to ensure a fair & progressive marketplace on behalf of their clients, agencies, and media partners. CMDC members account for 92% of the total media ad spend transacted annually in Canada. In 2020, that was over $10 billion invested in the Canadian economy, Canadian jobs and communications infrastructure.
Armed with a relentless entrepreneurial spirit, Shannon created and operated a bespoke communications business for five years – following senior international positions in media, communications, and advertising in London, Sydney, and Toronto.
Over nearly two decades, she has contributed to the success of global brands and executives including BBC, Microsoft, Unilever, Diageo – plus media brands MindShare UK, MediaCom, AMVBBDO, BBH London, JWT, Cossette, and PHD Canada.
These partnerships have resulted in an extensive portfolio, from new business wins to award-winning creative communications. As well, Shannon has established an impressive network of strong, global relationships with the broader creative and business communities.
Shannon is a mentor to the next generation in media to help youth get inspired, network, and advance thinking within a culture of connectivity and creativity. She also resides on the Canadian Cannes Lions board of creativity in partnership with The Globe and Mail.
Shannon is a proud mother, avid skier, tennis player, arts advocate and has been known to hike a few mountains, Patagonia to Kilimanjaro.
