Astral Media Inc. today announced that its Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Claude Gagnon, has advised the Company of his decision to leave the organization on January 31, 2012 with the intent to retire, after a distinguished career of over 20 years at Astral.
"Claude has been one of the architects of Astral's transformation into a pure-play media company and played a key role in our many acquisitions and asset dispositions over the years. I wish to sincerely thank Claude for his great contribution to our evolution and growth and wish him well in his future endeavors and as he contemplates taking a much deserved retirement," said Ian Greenberg, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Robert Fortier, who has served as the Company's Vice-President, Finance since October 2005, is being appointed Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, effective February 1, 2012.
"Robert holds an impressive professional track record and has earned a strong reputation both within Astral and among the financial community. I wish him every success as he undertakes his new responsibilities and look forward to his continued contribution to our senior management team," added Ian Greenberg.
Robert Fortier holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (1981) and is a member of the Ordre des Comptables Agréés (Chartered Accountants) du Québec since 1983. Prior to joining Astral, Robert worked as Vice-President, Finance, at Microcell Telecommunications Inc., operating under the brand name Fido.