CMA names Alison Simpson new president and CEO

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kerri Dawson, chair of the board of directors of the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) announced today that, following a comprehensive search, the board has selected Alison Simpson to become its new president and chief executive officer, effective November 28, 2022.

“Alison is an accomplished executive leader, and an award-winning marketer with extensive brand and agency experience,” said Dawson. “We are delighted that she has agreed to take the helm at the CMA, to ensure the association continues on its strong trajectory of success.”

Simpson has held executive marketing roles and served as president of several marketing agencies. She has also led brand, digital, loyalty, integrated marketing and customer experience teams for top tier brands, including Holt Renfrew, Rogers Communications, and TMX Group. She is currently chief marketing officer and head of consumer business at Key – an innovative technology company that has developed the world’s first all-digital, on-demand homeownership platform to make home ownership a reality for many. She is a director of the CNIB Foundation (Ontario + Quebec Regions) and serves on the advisory board for the Master of Management Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Program at the Smith School of Business.

“The marketing industry is incredibly dynamic and experiencing unparalleled change,” said Simpson. “I am thrilled that the directors have placed their confidence in me to lead the CMA’s talented team at this pivotal time. I look forward to seizing every opportunity to help marketers develop professionally, contribute to marketing thought leadership, build strong networks, and strengthen the regulatory climate for business success.”

The search for a new president and CEO was launched in the spring and attracted dozens of talented candidates from across the country. During this period, the association has been led by Sartaj Sarkaria, interim chief operating officer and chief diversity officer.

“Sartaj has done an outstanding job ensuring the continued delivery and progress of the CMA’s products and services during the transition to new leadership,” Dawson said.

About the Canadian Marketing Association

The CMA’s purpose is to embolden Canadian marketers to make a powerful impact on business in Canada. 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.