Douglas Smith appointed as new CBC executive vice-president

By Canadian Press on January 15, 2026.

CBC has appointed former Paramount content licensing head Douglas Smith as its new executive vice-president.

The public broadcaster says Smith will replace Barb Williams, who announced in October that she would retire.

CBC’s executive vice-president oversees all aspects of the business, from strategy to budgets to the public service mandate.

The broadcaster says Smith was recently senior vice-president of streaming and content licensing/regional lead at Paramount, where he helped launch Paramount+ and Pluto TV in Canada.

CBC CEO Marie-Philippe Bouchard says Smith will help the broadcaster deliver content that speaks to Canada’s “unique identity and values.”

In a written statement, Smith says he’s honoured to accept the responsibility of the new role.

He starts Feb. 2.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 15, 2026.

The Canadian Press

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