News
Canada's Walk of Fame Announces new COO
Brand Marketing Expert Joins the Team at
Canada’s Walk of Fame as Chief Operating Officer
Mary Pompili brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position
(Toronto, Ontario) June 22, 2010 –The Board of Directors for Canada’s Walk of Fame announced today that Mary Pompili has been appointed Chief Operating Officer. Pompili was most recently the Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer for Toronto’s Luminato Festival. Prior to that, Pompili was Vice President of Marketing at Holt Renfrew. She will begin working for Canada’s Walk of Fame on July 12th, focusing her efforts on refining the brand as the organization embarks on significant expansion plans.
“I have always been impressed with the way in which Canada’s Walk of Fame has taken what is essentially an American concept, and transformed it into a truly Canadian celebration,” said Pompili. “Peter Soumalias and his team have made great strides in showing us that Canada is fertile ground for some of the world’s great achievers.”
After graduating with a Diploma in Communications and Design from the Ontario College of Art and Design, Pompili began her career in the retail industry as the Manager of Advertising with Harry Rosen in 1983. She progressed quickly throughout the organization before leaving for a Director of Marketing position at Laura and Melanie Lynn in 1997. That was followed by a Director of Advertising position with Holt Renfrew in 2000. A year later Pompili was promoted to Vice President Marketing where she led the successful rebranding of Holt Renfrew and published the award winning Holts magazine. She pioneered emotional branding programs including “retail as theatre” events and created strategic partnerships that substantially increased the retailer’s customer base. In 2007, Pompili left the retail world to join Luminato where she was responsible for developing its marketing and communication strategic plan resulting in programs that increased local, national and international awareness of the festival.
“This is a very exciting time for Canada’s Walk of Fame,” said Peter Soumalias, Founding Director and CEO. “Mary’s experience and vast marketing knowledge is just what we need to take Canada’s Walk of Fame to the next level and to solidify the brand as Canada’s premiere event for saluting all great Canadians.”
Canada’s Walk of Fame, together with Canwest unveiled the names of the 2010 inductees for The Canada Honours at a special press conference on June 8. The seven inductees will each receive their tribute on Saturday, October 16 at Toronto’s Canon Theatre. The Canada Honours will be broadcast on Global and Slice™ following the gala ceremony (date and time TBA).
The 13th annual Canada’s Walk of Fame will add the following Canadian icons to its current list of 124 inductees:
• David Clayton-Thomas • Eric McCormack
• Nelly Furtado • Farley Mowat
• Doug Henning • Sarah Polley
• Clara Hughes
About Canada’s Walk of Fame:
Established in 1998, Canada’s Walk of Fame aims to educate, inform, and inspire through the permanent celebration of achievements in Canadian music, sport, film and television as well as the literary, visual and performing arts, and science and innovation. The annual celebration culminates in a televised tribute special that honours Canada’s finest stars from the worlds of arts, entertainment and sports. Each inductee is immortalized, their names forever cemented into the sidewalks of Toronto’s Entertainment District. To-date, 124 Canadians have been honoured, including Margaret Atwood, Howie Mandel, Steve Nash, Michael J. Fox and Blue Rodeo. A complete list of inductees along with more information on Canada’s Walk of Fame can be found at www.canadaswalkoffame.com.
Media Contacts:
Chris McDowall Adrienne Kakoullis
(416) 628-5648 (416) 628-5610
cmcdowall@hccink.com akakoullis@hccink.com
www.holmescreativecommunications.com