#FIRSTLOOK: JASON CARLOS APPOINTED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OFDEPARTURE FESTIVAL + CONFERENCE

LOFT Entertainment Group and Oak View Group (OVG) today announced the appointment of Jason Carlos as Executive Director of Departure Festival + Conference. Today’s announcement comes as Departure builds on the success of its inaugural 2025 event, and larger 2026 edition presented by TD, and enters its next phase of growth as a wide-ranging festival and conference bringing together leading creators, executives, entrepreneurs and cultural voices from across the creative industries.

As Departure’s Senior Director of Brand, Marketing & Communications, Carlos played an instrumental role in establishing and growing the new event following its launch from the transformation of Canadian Music Week in 2024.

In his new role, Carlos will have overall responsibility for the strategic and operational leadership of Departure, including its annual Festival + Conference. He will report directly to Jackie Dean, who was recently appointed as President & CEO of LOFT Entertainment Group.

“Jason has been an integral part of Departure’s evolution and understands both the strength of what we have built and the opportunity ahead,” said Jackie Dean, President & CEO, LOFT Entertainment Group. “His strong client relationships, business acumen and deep understanding of audience development are matched by his energy, ambition and knowledge of the platform. He is exceptionally well positioned to lead Departure into its next phase as we continue building a nationally and internationally significant destination for the creative industries.”

“Departure was created around a simple but ambitious idea: bring together the people and industries shaping the future of entertainment and culture,” said Jason Carlos, Executive Director, Departure Festival + Conference. “We have built a strong foundation in just two years, and I believe we are only beginning to realize what Departure can become. I am ready to lead this next chapter, grow the platform across industries and markets, and create something with lasting cultural and economic impact for Toronto, Canada and the global creative community.”

“Departure has quickly established itself as a strong new platform within Canada’s dynamic entertainment and cultural landscape,” said Tom Pistore, President, OVG Canada. “The opportunity now is to build on that momentum, deepen its reach across industries and establish Departure as one of Canada’s preeminent cultural and music platforms, with growing national and international relevance. Jason understands the vision and the potential of Departure, and OVG is excited to support him and the team as they shape its future.”

Departure significantly expanded its conference programming in 2026, introducing a new series of industry-focused Summits spanning creator culture, live music, sync and sports, alongside the return of Radiodays North America. Highlights included an intimate keynote conversation with Oscar-winning writer-director Maggie Kang, during which Mayor Olivia Chow presented her with the Key to the City; as well as a keynote with acclaimed music supervisor Mary Ramos; a behind-the-scenes look at the music of Heated Rivalry with creator Jacob Tierney, composer Peter Peter and music supervisor Scotty Taylor; a special fireside conversation with Toronto Tempo co-owner Lilly Singh and The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s Secretary of State for Sport ahead of the team’s inaugural game; and appearances by The Office Movers creators Jermaine and Trevaunn Richards, Late Bloomer creator and star Jasmeet Raina, and leading voices from across the global music, media and creative industries.

An independent economic impact study estimated that over its first two years Departure generated approximately $160 million in industry business transactions, and over $10 million in economic impact to the city of Toronto, while attracting attendees and delegates from across Canada and internationally.

Departure is grateful for the generous support of the Government of Ontario, Ontario Creates, FACTOR, the Government of Canada, and Canada’s private radio broadcasters.

Planning is already underway for Departure 2027, with a focus on expanding the Festival + Conference’s programming, partnerships and reach across the creative industries. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.

About Jason Carlos
Jason Carlos is the Executive Director of Departure Festival + Conference.

Previously Departure’s Senior Director of Brand, Marketing & Communications, where he oversaw the full rebrand and repositioning of Canadian Music Week, Jason now leads the organization’s next chapter of growth. He guides strategic and operational evolution, aligning its programming, stakeholders, and creative vision to deliver an experience rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and artistic excellence.

Prior to Departure, he served as Director of Content at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), driving digital transformation and content monetization while architecting historic, industry-first platform partnerships with TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat, Letterboxd, and Twitter. His background in the arts also includes leading audience growth and digital strategy for Soulpepper Theatre Company across its year-round repertory season and 2017 Off-Broadway residency at The Pershing Square Signature Center in New York City.

Jason was named to The Peak’s 2025 Emerging Leaders in Media & Entertainment list, sits on the Marketing Committee for the Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival, and remains a dedicated advocate for sustainable representation in the arts.

About Departure
Departure Festival + Conference is Canada’s gathering place for the people shaping the future of creativity, culture, entertainment and innovation.

Created through a partnership between LOFT Entertainment Group and Oak View Group, Departure represents the evolution of Canadian Music Week, building on more than four decades of industry history while expanding its focus across music, film, television, streaming, AI, sports, technology, business, art and culture.

Based in Toronto, Departure brings together leading artists, creators, entrepreneurs, executives, innovators and cultural thought leaders to forge meaningful connections, accelerate business and explore the ideas transforming the global creative economy.

For more information, visit departureto.com.