#FIRSTLOOK: BARBARA WILLIAMS TO BE HONOURED AT THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT CANADA GALA

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada will welcome one of the most respected and influential figures in Canadian broadcasting as Barbara Williams, former Executive Vice-President of English Services at CBC/Radio-Canada takes part in a featured conversation at at the 2026 Summit & Awards Gala, taking place May 28 at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto.

More than a retrospective, this conversation will offer candor, insights and inspiration about legacy, the enduring mark that Williams leaves on the industry, and the path she has helped to pave for the women who follow.

As one of the industry’s most repsected 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.

Williams enjoyed an extraordinary 40-year career in Canadian media, opening doors and setting new standards along the way.

Most recently Williams served as Executive Vice-President of English Services at CBC/Radio-Canada, a position she held from 2019 until her recent departure.

Before that, Williams served as Shaw Media’s President, overseeing all aspects of the company’s business.

Prior to that role, she was Senior Vice President of Content for Shaw Media, responsible for the creation of Canadian original producitons, acquisition deals of top U.S. and international series, and scheduling for the company’s conventional network and 19 specialty channels.

Williams also served as Executive Vice President Content at Canwest Broadcasting, Vice-President and General Manager of Toronto 1, and Senior Vice-President of Lifestyle Programming at Alliance Atlantis.

Williams is an award-winning executive who has been recognized with numerous prestigious industry accolades including being a two-time The Hollywood Reporter Canadian Women in Power List Honouree (2024, 2025).

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada is a first-of-its-kind summit and awards event that brings the Canadian industry together across film, television, and music to celebrate and recognize the achievements of women who are driving the industry forward in their respective fields.

Previously announced honourees include Andrea Martin who will receive the ICON Award, Malin Akerman who will receive the Impact Award to be presented byThe Hunting Wives co-star, Brittany Snow, Rachel Reid who will participate in a main stage feature interview and receive the Changemaker Award, and North of North co-creatorsAlethea Arnaquq-Baril and Stacey Aglok MacDonald who will receive the Breakthrough Award at the May 28 event.

Additional announcements to follow.

For tickets and more information, including schedule and programming details, visit womeninentertainment.ca. Early-bird pricing ends on April 30.