Doug Brooks is set to succeed John Gustavson as president and CEO of the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA).
Late last year, Gustavson announced his plan to retire after leading the CMA for more than 25 years. On Wednesday, the organization revealed Brooks as his successor.
Brooks is a seasoned vet in the Canadian marketing industry. He joins after a seven-year stint as CEO of the Certified General Accountants of Ontario and was previously the director of marketing for Coca-Cola Canada, managing director of the NHL and general manager of media sales and marketing at CBC.
The appointment is effective July 6.
In a release, Stephen Brown, chair of the CMA board of directors, offered Brooks a vote of confidence, stating, “We are very pleased to have Doug join the association as the CMA ushers in an exciting new period of development and expansion. Under his leadership, and with the continued support of the membership, the CMA is well positioned for the future.”
When Gustavson announced his retirement, Brown praised his tenure at the CMA, noting that under his leadership it “moved from a niche association to the largest, most successful association in the country.”
“John Gustavson has made an outstanding contribution to CMA and Canada’s marketing community,” he said.
The change in leadership comes as the CMA embarks on a three-year plan to build its infrastructure and expand its national reach that will take place under Brooks’ new leadership. In a statement, Brooks said he is looking forward to serving a “dynamic industry always on the cusp of change.”
“I look forward to leading the CMA into a new era as it explores new ways to serve its members and becomes the indispensable resource and advocate for all of Canada’s marketing community,” he said.
