AceShowbiz - Barb Williams has been selected to deliver the keynote conversation at The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Canada gala event scheduled for May 28.

The onstage interview will highlight the distinguished career of Barb Williams, who recently announced her retirement from CBC, Canada’s public broadcaster. She served as the executive vice president of English Services at CBC, a role she assumed in 2019.

Prior to her tenure at CBC, Williams was president of Shaw Media, which oversaw the Global Television network and was owned by Shaw Communications. Her extensive career in Canadian broadcasting also includes executive positions at Canwest Broadcasting, Toronto One, and the independent producer Alliance Atlantis Communications, covering more than four decades.

The organizers of the Women in Entertainment Canada summit praised Williams as “one of the industry’s most respected and influential figures,” noting her leadership in some of the country’s most significant media organizations and her role in advancing women in top leadership positions.

The third annual WIE Canada summit will celebrate achievements in Canadian TV, film, and music, bringing together leading producers, actors, musicians, and executives for an all-day event focused on recognizing women driving the industry forward.

In addition to Williams’ keynote, author Rachel Reid, known for the Heated Rivalry book series, will participate in a mainstage interview and receive the Changemaker honor. Aglok MacDonald and Arnaquq-Baril, creators of the comedy series North of North, will be honored with the Breakthrough Award.

Further accolades at the May 28 gala include Andrea Martin receiving the Icon Award and Malin Akerman picking up the Impact Award. Organizers have announced that more honorees and special guests will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The event continues to be a prominent platform for celebrating women’s leadership and contributions across Canada’s entertainment sectors.