Magazines Canada has named Matthew Holmes as its chief executive officer, replacing the organization’s long-time head Mark Jamison. Holmes begins his new role on Jan. 25.
Holmes is literally an expert in organic growth, having served as executive director of the Canada Organic Trade Association since 2007.
The organization, which works to promote and protect the growth of organic trade, experienced a 50% increase in membership and a seven-fold increase in revenue during his tenure, and Holmes was the first Canadian elected to the world umbrella group for organics, the Bonn, Germany-based IFOAM–Organic International.
He has been appointed to several senior government advisories, roundtables and task forces, and coordinates an annual policy conference and reception for parliamentarians and their staff. He has also testified before House and Senate Standing Committees.
Toronto-based Magazines Canada said Holmes’ background in government policy development and strategic relations, as well as his success in implementing member-led strategies, were key factors in his appointment.
Michael Fox, the Canadian publishing veteran who chairs Magazines Canada’s hiring committee, said Holmes was the “unanimous choice” in a field of highly qualified candidates.
Holmes also worked as a policy analyst within the federal government in Ottawa, and served as the special assistant, government relations for the president of Toronto’s York University.
He also possesses magazine credentials, having served as reviews editor of Arc Poetry Magazine from 2003 to 2008. He has published a book of poetry called Hitch, and in 2012 won gold in the poetry category at the National Magazine Awards for his work “The failing of purity.”
Magazines Canada board chair said Holmes’ role is “critical” as the Canadian publishing industry undergoes a period of transformation and evolution, with readership and advertising increasingly moving online.
Jamison will remain with Magazines Canada for the “next several months,” assisting in a transitory role. Jamison has been with the organization since 1999, having previously served as managing director of the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony.
