Former CBC exec Heather Conway joins Canuck documentary organisation Hot Docs

Heather Conway, the former executive VP of English-language services at Canadian pubcaster the CBC, has been tapped to lead Toronto-based documentary organisation Hot Docs as its executive director and co-president.

Heather Conway

Starting work on November 4, Conway will be responsible for the strategic leadership and management of Hot Docs’ annual festival, as well as its industry programmes and other year-round initiatives. She replaces former executive director Brett Hendrie, who left Hot Docs in March this year.

From 2013 to 2018, Conway oversaw a digital transformation at the CBC. During that time, the broadcaster also greenlit and produced internationally acclaimed programming including Schitt’s Creek, Kim’s Convenience, Baroness Von Sketch, Anne with an E, Alias Grace, Caught and The Book of Negroes.

Conway will share the co-president role with Chris McDonald and will work closely with long-time Hot Docs directors Alan Black and Erin Lau, who were both recently appointed as MDs within the executive team.