The board of directors of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), one of the most prestigious in the world, announced today the appointment of Cameron Bailey to the newly created position of artistic director and co-head. The role is a promotion and expansion of Bailey’s current position of artistic director, which he has held since 2012. Prior to that, Bailey was festival co-director from 2008-2012. Bailey’s promotion will take effect October 1, 2018.

Since TIFF CEO Piers Handling’s retirement announcement last July, the board engaged in a process for CEO transition, including a review of the organization’s current structure. After their assessment, the board decided on a two-headed structure for TIFF, with one position (Bailey’s) focused on the artistic direction of the organization, and the other, managing director and co-head, focused on the business and revenue optimization. These two positions will work closely together to set the tone and lead the organization. They will both report directly to the board of directors.

“With a five-year strategic plan for TIFF launched this year, and more changes on the horizon for our industry, we believe a two-headed structure is right for the future success of TIFF,” explained board chair Jennifer Tory. “Cameron is a film industry veteran who has earned a reputation for discerning, expansive curation since joining TIFF as a programmer in 1990. Combined with his accomplishments as TIFF’s artistic director, we have full confidence in his vision for the direction of the organization.”

“I have tremendous respect for Cameron and his longstanding contribution to TIFF’s success,” said Piers Handling. “His passion and vision for the future of the organization underlines his deep leadership skills. It gives me great comfort to know TIFF is in such good hands.”

“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside Piers for so many years. We programmed Canadian films together, we made our first programming trip to Burkina Faso together and we’ve spent countless hours working out how best to engage audiences with the power of film,” said Cameron Bailey. “I am honored to be entrusted with guiding the future of TIFF.”

A search committee of the board of directors has been working with Caldwell Partners to identify candidates for the managing director and co-head role. The search is international in scope and is expected to result in an announcement prior to this September’s Festival.

Congratulations to Cameron Bailey!