TORONTO MUSIC EXPERIENCE APPOINTS FIRST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted to share a major milestone in our journey to elevate Toronto’s reputation as a world-class music city. Following an extensive search for a leader who embodies the strategic rigor of a global executive as well as the soul of our music scene, we have appointed Neil Shankman as the first Executive Director of the Toronto Music Experience (TME). This represents more than just a new hire; it’s the transition of TME from a visionary concept into a dynamic reality.
Neil was selected for a unique combination of capabilities across his distinct career chapters—as a global marketing executive, an entrepreneur and an academic/consultant—all underpinned by a lifelong, lived experience as a professional musician.
A proven organizational builder, Neil was a member of the leadership teams at tech innovators, Google Canada, Clio and Wave, and at professional services firm, BDO Canada. He’s spent time as an advertising and media entrepreneur and a professor at the Schulich School of Business. His professional pedigree is impeccably balanced by his authentic music credibility as an alumnus of the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Berklee College of Music, as well as a former concert promoter and producer.
"Being the first Executive Director of the Toronto Music Experience is a profound honour. I am incredibly grateful to our donors and the Board for their support, which has laid the foundation for this next chapter. Our vision is bold: to create an experience and institution that moves beyond the traditional, using music as a lens to tell the vibrant story of our city’s impact on global culture and I am eager to lead this effort." – Neil Shankman
Neil joins us at a pivotal moment as we move toward our goal of a permanent physical destination by 2030. Under his leadership, TME will activate our ambitious 12-month Ignition Plan aligned with the Board’s North Star vision to amplify Toronto’s profile as a global music capital.
Thank you to everyone who has stood by TME for the last couple years as we grew the organization and reached this point. Neil has already started his new position, and in the months ahead, he will be connecting with many of you as he gets to know our Toronto Music Experience community of supporters.
With gratitude, Lorna Day
Chair
Toronto Music Experience