Hot Docs Names New Executive Director & Co-President

Hot Docs has appointed Heather Conway to be the organization’s new executive director and co-president.

In her new role, Conway will assume responsibility for the strategic leadership and management of the annual festival, industry programs and other special year-round initiatives, starting November 4. She previously served as executive VP of English services at CBC/Radio-Canada.

As Hot Docs’ lead executive officer, Conway will collaborate as a peer leader with co-president Chris McDonald, who oversees the direction of Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, Hot Docs at Home VOD platform and other select funding programs and projects. She will also collaborate with Hot Docs Directors Alan Black and Erin Lau, who have helped grow the cinema, organization and strategic community partnerships, and who have both been recently named to the new executive team as managing directors.

Lalita Krishna, co-chair of the Hot Docs board of directors, said: “Heather is a visionary leader who brings with her a sharp intellect, acute strategic skill and an impressive breadth of experience. At CBC, she embraced independent documentary filmmakers and championed diverse stories and voices. Speaking on behalf of my co-chair Robin Mirsky and the entire board, we’re excited that Heather will be leading Hot Docs into its next chapter, and we are eager to work with her to realize the boundless opportunities ahead.”

Conway added: “Hot Docs is a hugely valuable cultural institution as famous for its down-to-earth friendliness and inclusion as it is for its commitment to documentary filmmakers and their important work. I’m thrilled to be joining the team that has so successfully grown the organization into one with such impact and relevance.”