March 21, 2019

Ontario Creates Welcomes New Board Chair Aaron Campbell

Ontario Creates is delighted to welcome Aaron Campbell as its new Chair. A new Board member, Campbell succeeds Mark Sakamoto, who served as Chair since February 2016.

Campbell is currently the Chief of Staff at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), where he provides counsel to the CEO and executive team on strategic business objectives and stakeholder engagement. Campbell has over 16 years of experience in leading the strategic intersections of stakeholder engagement, operations, communication and policy, and has held senior roles with the federal government, including with the Prime Minister of Canada and the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

“I am pleased to welcome Aaron Campbell to his new role as Chair of Ontario Creates. His experience and leadership in the film industry, the halls of government and at the LCBO will play a vital role in overseeing the strategic business directions of Ontario Creates and the important industry sectors that it supports,” said Michael Tibollo, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

Prior to Campbell’s role at LCBO, he worked with the Toronto International Film Festival where he oversaw events, production, visitor experience and the alignment of operational planning with TIFF’s artistic vision and business objectives.

“We are delighted that Aaron Campbell has been appointed as Ontario Creates new Chair. His experience in the creative industries, stakeholder engagement, communication and policy will be invaluable in setting high impact strategic goals for the Agency and in delivering real results for the government, the sectors we support and for Ontarians,” said Karen Thorne-Stone, President & CEO, Ontario Creates.

Campbell also currently serves on the Board of Directors of Danceworks Toronto, a presenter of Canada’s independent dance artists and is also a Board member of Cota Health, supporting adults with mental health and cognitive challenges to live well within their communities.

“I am humbled and honoured to have been appointed Chair of Ontario Creates. I look forward to working with its dynamic Board and staff team to secure Ontario’s position as a leader in the creative industries throughout the province, across the country, and on the world stage, through investment, collaboration and export,” said Aaron Campbell, Chair, Ontario Creates.

Outgoing Chair Mark Sakamoto was appointed to the Board of Ontario Creates when it was still known as the Ontario Media Development Corporation in 2008. Under his leadership, the Agency helped grow Ontario’s creative industries to record levels, making significant contributions to the province’s economy and employment base and positioning Ontario as an international leader. In addition to establishing and implementing ambitious strategic directions for the Agency, Sakamoto spearheaded OMDC’s re-branding to Ontario Creates.