2026 Honoree

Sean Cohan

Bell Media

Shift Disturber

Recognized for leading Bell Media’s transformation into a globally distinctive media company, streamer, producer, and distributor through strategic initiatives and partnerships designed to strengthen its content power and digital media market stature.

Since Sean Cohan took the reins as president of Bell Media in 2023, he’s deftly steered the vast and varied portfolio of Canada’s premier media and entertainment company through a changing mediascape amid stiff competition on all fronts. Cohan is responsible for Bell Media’s globally unique portfolio of video, audio, digital, and out-of-home advertising assets, brands, and content. These include the largest Canadian-owned video streaming service (Crave), Canada’s #1 broadcast network (CTV), its leading sports properties (TSN & RDS), #1 national and local news (CTV News), industry-leading out-of-home advertising player (Astral), and audio platforms (iHeart Radio).

Under Cohan’s leadership, Bell Media has built up these properties and further developed synergies, most notable being a significant expansion of Crave, smartly positioning it to combat intense global streamer competition.

Other key achievements within the transformation agenda include: the acquisition of global content distributor, Sphere Abacus; a strategic investment in independent production company Blink49; the launch of a portfolio of FAST channels; content deals with some of Canada’s leading creators including Seth Rogen, Tom Green, and Elliot Page, and an expanded production slate including global breakouts Heated Rivalry and Empathie.

Prior to taking the helm at Bell Media, Cohan spent decades in media, including a 15-year tenure at A+E Networks, ultimately in the role of President, International and Digital Media. Most recently, Cohan was Chief Growth Officer & President at Nielsen, where he managed the strategy, corporate development, partnerships, and international efforts and teams, and had a leadership role in its successful 2022 take-private transaction.

Cohan also gives back by sharing his industry acumen and business leadership through Board positions, including H&R Block, MLBPA Players, North York Hospital Foundation, and as the Board Chair of the Banff World Media Festival.