XM CANADA ANNOUNCES SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM Experienced executive group to guide satellite radio business CNW XM Canada announced its senior management team as the company gears up for the introduction of its satellite radio service in time for the coming holiday season.
The management group is comprised of the country's leading specialists in the areas of music and entertainment programming, marketing, sales and finance. The team will be responsible for overseeing the launch of XM Satellite Radio in Canada and managing all aspects of the growth and development of this new consumer entertainment service.
XM Canada's content lineup offers more than 80 channels broadcast coast-to-coast of the best in commercial-free music, NHL coverage, entertainment and information programming. XM Canada will feature at least eight channels (four French and four English) of original-produced Canadian programming, plus commercial-free music, the best in sports including the broadcasts of more than 1,000 NHL games per season, plus talk and information. This season's NHL games will be available at launch and beginning with 2007/2008 season, XM will be the exclusive satellite radio network of the NHL.
"XM Canada has assembled a talented and diverse team to bring XM Satellite Radio to Canadians," said Stephen Tapp, XM Canada President and Chief Operating Officer. "The XM Canada team has an incredible depth of management experience and they are all proven leaders in their respective areas. XM Canada subscribers across the country will hear the quality of this team reflected in the most entertaining and innovative offering in radio ever."
Tapp, who has more than two decades of broadcasting experience, leads the XM Canada management team. He has specialized in startups and launches at leading broadcasters such as CHUM Television, Citytv, Viewer's Choice Canada Pay Per View and TSN. Other members of the XM Canada management team include:
Michael Washinushi - Chief Financial Officer Michael Washinushi will report directly to John I. Bitove, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of XM Canada. Washinushi joined the XM Canada team in spring 2005. He also served as Executive VP of Scott's REIT and Director of development and acquisitions for Priszm Canadian Income Fund, where he was responsible for managing the existing real estate portfolio and identifying new opportunities. In his role as CFO, he will have overall responsibility for financial reporting and corporate governance.
Stewart Lyons - Executive Vice President Lyons has worked with XM Canada since its inception and most recently joined the company on a full-time basis from Scotia Capital, where he served as an interest rate derivatives trader in Global Trading. Lyons also served as director of operations for the Toronto 2008 Olympic Bid. At XM, Lyons will manage all legal and regulatory requirements of the company as well as oversee all business development initiatives.
Colin Bettam - Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales Bettam is a leader in the marketing industry, with more than 15 years of experience, most recently as vice president of marketing at Coors Canada. There, he was involved in growing one of the most successful brands in Canada, Coors Light. He is a former director of marketing at AT&T Canada. In this role, Bettam will oversee all aspects of XM Sales & Marketing (English and French), including retail, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) & fulfillment.
Ross Davies - Vice President of Programming Davies has more than 30 years of broadcasting experience. He served more than 20 years at CHUM Ltd., most recently as Vice President of Programming, CHUM Radio. Davies joined XM Canada from Davies and Company, a broadcast consulting company that he founded. Davies will oversee the production and management of XM Canada's originally produced channels as well overseeing the total XM Canada programming offering.
Melissa Clark - Vice President of Retail Sales and Distribution Clark has a diverse background in technology and soft goods sales distribution. Her most recent role was that of national sales accountability for Rogers Wireless. At XM Canada, Clark will manage Retail Sales & Distribution, as well as all aspects of retail fulfillment and hardware management.
Paul Williams - Vice President of Network Sales Williams is an industry veteran with more than 30 years in sales, marketing and programming. Williams held senior positions with Telemedia Communications, The Score Television Network and Priszm Properties. Williams will be responsible for network sales across XM Canada's originally produced sports, talk and information channels.
André DiCesare - Director of French Language Talent and Industry Relations DiCesare, an industry leader in the music business, has more than 25 years experience in the Quebec entertainment and music industry, including co-founding Star Musik inc. in 1982, a significant independent record label in Quebec. At XM Canada, DiCesare will manage industry relations and talent development as well as the day-to-day management of XM's Montreal studio.
More announcements will follow as XM Canada continues to build its leadership team in preparation to launch its subscription radio service this holiday season. |