Motion Picture Association hires ex-Bell exec Michele Austin to lead Canadian operation

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) Canada has named Michele Austin, a former regulatory exec at telecommunications giant Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE) as its new president and MD.

Michele Austin

Austin succeeds Wendy Noss, who is leaving after leading MPA-Canada for 15 years. She begins the Ottawa-based role on January 19 and will report to MPA’s senior executive VP of global policy and government affairs Gail MacKinnon.

As the head of MPA-Canada, Austin will lead the group that advocates for US-based studios and streamers in the context of Canadian regulatory matters, copyright law, production incentives and digital media policy. Its members include Disney, Netflix, Sony, Paramount, Prime Video, Amazon MGM Studios, Universal and Warner Bros Discovery.

Austin was previously the VP of public affairs at BCE, where she led strategy and engagement across all areas of public policy, and before that was director of public policy at X (fka Twitter).

“Michele’s deep knowledge of Canada’s policy landscape and political dynamics will make her a powerful voice for our member studios and our creative community,” said Charles Rivkin, chair and CEO of the MPA.

“Her vast skillset and experience make her the perfect person to lead our team in Canada, advance our core objectives, engage with key domestic partners and stakeholders, and navigate a complex legislative and regulatory environment across the country.”