After nearly six years with the company, Natalie Larivière is stepping down as president of Transcontinental Inc.’s media division, TC Media. Her final day with the company will be June 29.
No explanation was given for Larivière’s departure, with a release stating only that she is leaving to pursue “new professional challenges.” Transcontinental’s president and CEO, François Olivier, will take over as interim head of TC Media until a full-time president is found, a process that could take several months.
Larivière plans to work with the TC Media team to ensure a smooth transition, said Transcontinental’s chief communications officer, Sylvain Morissette. The search for her replacement will be conducted both internally and externally. “All possibilities are open,” said Morissette.
In a release, Olivier thanked Larivière for her “significant contribution” to the development of TC Media, noting that she had piloted numerous projects that have enhanced the division’s product offering.
“Natalie leaves us with a solid team with whom we will continue to pursue our growth,” he said.
Larivière arrived at TC Media from Quebecor in August 2006 with a mandate to develop digital platforms for the company’s flagship media brands, which include consumer magazines such as Canadian Living, Elle Canada and Style at Home, as well as an extensive network of community newspapers and their associated web properties.
Her tenure coincided with the launch of the consumer magazines More and Vita, and, more recently, the closure of the venerable Homemakers publication. The company also partnered with Loblaw to launch a new multiplatform brand dedicated to healthy living called Fresh Juice.
TC Media generated $158.5 million in revenues for the first quarter of 2012, down slightly from $159.2 million in the corresponding period a year earlier. Earnings before interest and taxes were $6.3 million.
