Destination Toronto appoints VP of destination development
Destination Toronto has appointed Kelly Jackson (pictured above) as vice president of destination development, effective Jan. 20.
Jackson is joining Destination Toronto to help elevate Toronto’s destination experience and drive community engagement, the organization says. She possesses 20 years of experience in government relations, stakeholder and community engagement and communications. Most recently, she was VP of external affairs and professional learning at Humber Polytechnic.
Prior to joining Humber, she held numerous roles in the Ontario Government, including director of communications to the Minister of Finance. She is also past president of the Empire Club of Canada, one of the country’s oldest speakers’ forums.
“Kelly Jackson is a passionate Torontonian with a strong record of building strategic stakeholder relationships,” says Andrew Weir, president and CEO of Destination Toronto. “She joins in a critical role at a critical time as we work to position our destination for sustained growth and competitiveness.”
Suntory Global Spirits names new senior marketer
Deepti Gurkar (pictured right) is starting a new position as senior director of national marketing and global Canadian brands at Suntory Global Spirits, known for the likes of Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Laphroaig scotch and El Tesoro tequila.
Gurkar was recently Suntory’s national marketing director of global Canadian whiskey. In various roles at Suntory Global Spirits/Beam Suntory, she has overseen the company’s luxury portfolio, as well as vodka and liqueurs.
Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon adds senior marketer
Anna Louie is starting a new position as senior marketing and communications manager at Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon, based in Vancouver.
Prior to joining the organization, Louie was marketing director for PARC Retirement Living, also out of Vancouver.
She began her career at PARC as a marketing manager in 2013.
Canadian Tire bolsters its content marketing team
Julie Alsayed is starting a new position as program manager of content marketing at Canadian Tire Corporation. Alsayed is founder of We Bond Jewelry, and integrated project marketing manager for research and insights platform, Alida.
