Barb Williams has been tapped to do a keynote conversation at The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Canada gala event on May 28.

Her onstage interview will follow the veteran Canadian broadcast exec marking her retirement by leaving the CBC, Canada’s public broadcaster, as executive vp of English Services, a position she took up in 2019. Before that, Williams served as president of Shaw Media, the private broadcaster that included the Global Television network and was then owned by cable and Internet giant Shaw Communications.  

She also completed executive stints at Canwest Broadcasting, Toronto One and indie producer Alliance Atlantis Communications during a 40-year career. “As one of the industry’s most respected and influential figures, Williams has not only guided some of the country’s most important media organizations, but also helped break barriers for women at the highest levels of leadership,” WIE Canada organizers said in a statement on Wednesday.

The upcoming third annual WIE Canada summit will again bring together the Canadian industry across TV, film and music to celebrate and recognize the achievements of women leading the industry forward. The all-day event is attended by top homegrown producers, actors, musicians and execs.

It was earlier announced that Heated Rivalry book series author Rachel Reid will also participate in a mainstage interview as well as receive the Changemaker honor, and North of North comedy creators Aglok MacDonald and Arnaquq-Baril will receive the Breakthrough Award at the WIE Canada event.

In addition, Andrea Martin is set to receive the Icon Award and Malin Akerman will pick up the Impact Award at the May 28 gala. Additional honorees and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.

Subscribe Sign Up