Toronto economic development director named president of OMDC

The city of Toronto's director of economic development, Karen Thorne-Stone, has been hired to be the new president and chief executive officer of the Ontario Media Development Corporation, beginning at the end of July.

A release from the agency said Thorne-Stone has been with the city of Toronto for 18 years, where she served in a variety of roles, including film commissioner and playing a leadership role in the amalgamation of 7 municipalities into one megacity.

The appointment continues the domination of OMDC by the film and television industry, though it is responsible for all cultural industries including magazines, books, recording and interactive digital media; the announcement of Thorne-Stone's appointment was by chair Kevin Shea, a broadcaster who was appointed about a year ago.

Thorne-Stone fills the position vacated last August by Michelle Frappier, who left to head up the ultimately failed bid to win Toronto the 2015 world exposition. (The president's chair has been filled on an interim basis by Kristine Murphy, who returns now to her position as director of industrial development.)