Jolette Samuel, director of business affairs at VML Canada
VML Canada announced the official launch of a business affairs department on Friday.
The department will work toward optimizing internal operations and client services and establishing new best practices within the Canadian agency sector, according to a news release.
Talent negotiations, usage rights, legal contracts, union compliance, licensing, risk management and budgeting will become centralized under business affairs.
“Establishing a formal business affairs department is a proactive step to empower our producers to focus on creative excellence and innovation, while ensuring our work is legally sound, compliant and ethically produced,” said Steve Emmens, SVP head of production at VML Canada. “This is about building a stronger foundation for our clients’ campaigns and our teams’ success.”
VML Canada has appointed Jolette Samuel as its first-ever director of business affairs, bringing legal expertise and a background in talent and traffic management to the role. Samuel previously held director of business affairs positions at Innocean, from December 2023 to June 2025, and Anomaly, from June 2021 to November 2023.
This business affairs launch coincides with the retirement of Jean Parks, VML Canada’s longtime director of talent and traffic.
VML Canada employs more than 500 people across its Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver offices.
The Canadian Agency Network refreshes brand, brings on new board
A new look and structure has been unveiled for the Canadian Agency Network group of independent advertising, marketing and communication firms.
The network has taken legal and organizational steps to formalize its structure in an effort to better support its members, their teams and clients.
In addition to a new newly refreshed website and brand image, the network has also instituted a new board of directors.
Board members include: chair Jenny Smith (Ray), managing director Bill Whitehead (Whitehead Agency Group) and directors Lori Romanoski (Brown Communications), Sophie Larouche (Larouche), Garnet McElree (LMNO), Mary-Ellen Willard (AdHome Creative), Dave Matthews (Prospect Media) and Theresa Forman (Acart).
“Indie is where it’s at right now. Plus, Canadian pride, Canadian owned and operated and Canadian made are more relevant than ever,” said Smith, president of creative agency Ray based in St. John’s. “We have a rich Canadian history and an even brighter future now that we have a newly elected board, a new strategic vision and a refreshed brand including a new website to tell our unique and colourful story.”
New business secured for Tux as it celebrates 15th anniversary
Tux, a Canadian full-service marketing agency led and owned by LGBTQ+ creatives, is celebrating its milestone 15th year in business.
“From Montreal roots to L.A.’s creative playground, we’ve never followed the script,” CEO and co-founder Dominic Tremblay said in a statement. “Building brands with soul, and proving that indie minds move the world, our diversity, community and values have always been the magic that makes our culture pop. Tux was born out of love and thrives on difference because when every voice is heard, creativity hits different.”
According to the shop, one in five of its team members identify as LGBTQ, with 60% of such staff filling senior leadership roles.
Tux recently announced that it will be handling strategy, creative, media and production for energy company Rehlko. It is also working on creative and production for Maybelline U.S. and strategy, creative, media and production for health supplements brand Bonafide.
