Canada’s Marketing Hall of Legends Unifies National Recognition
One Esteemed Hall, One Unified Future
In a significant move for Canada's marketing community, AMA Toronto has announced the official integration of the Canada’s Marketing, Advertising, PR and Communications Hall of Fame, founded by Jelly Academy, into the long-standing Canada’s Marketing Hall of Legends (CMHOL).
This unification creates a single, nationally recognized platform dedicated to honouring the most impactful figures in marketing, advertising, and communications across the nation.
Expanding a Legacy of Leadership
Established in 2004, CMHOL has long been a beacon for recognizing visionary leaders who have made substantial contributions to the industry. By absorbing the Vancouver-based Hall of Fame CMHOL not only broadens its national reach but also reinforces its commitment to diversity and inclusion within the marketing sector. By combining efforts, the newly expanded CMHOL becomes the single, unified destination for honouring the people shaping Canada’s brand and media landscape.
“This new agreement, which reduces marketplace confusion while broadening our footprint across the country, marks a new chapter for the program.” said Olga Pigeon, President of AMA Toronto.
The newly expanded Hall will honour all 41 past honourees from the Jelly Academy Hall of Fame and adopt Indigenous-designed visual branding elements to reflect its evolving identity.
A Collaboration Built on Inclusion
At the heart of this unification is a shared vision for a more inclusive and collaborative marketing community. Darian Kovacs, founder of Jelly Academy and a prominent Indigenous marketer, will join the CMHOL selection committee. His involvement aims to enhance the representation of under-represented communities within the Hall of Legends and expand outreach beyond traditional marketing circles. Kovacs shared his hopes for what this collaboration will inspire:
“It’s a relief for applicants, sponsors, and winners to know that there is simply one esteemed Hall in Canada. My hope is that this inspires other groups to come together.”
Meet the 2025 Inductees
In addition to welcoming the 41 past honourees from the Jelly ZAcademy Hall of Fame, CMHOL continues to grow its legacy with the announcement of its 2025 class of inductees–a diverse group of leaders recognized for their innovation, mentorship, and cultural impact:
Joanna Griffiths, Founder & President, Knix (Visionary)
Michael Adams, Co-founder & President, Environics Research Group (Enabler)
Mark Harrison, Founder, MH3 Collective (Mentor)
Serge Rancourt, Co-founder, The Grid (Enabler)
Ted (Theo) Rosnick, Former Creative Director, Vapor Music (Enabler)
Also named is Michael Forsyth, Marketing Director at PepsiCo Foods Canada, as 2025’s Marketer on the Rise, an accolade recognizing emerging leaders poised to shape the future of Canadian marketing.
Looking Ahead
The official induction ceremony took place on May 9 at Toronto’s Arcadian Court, where this year’s honourees were formally celebrated among industry peers and leaders, but their journey does not end there. Canada’s Marketing Hall of Legends is more than an award platform. It is a program for mentorship, leadership, and year-round learning.
Inductees will continue to contribute throughout the year by participating in the Legendary Leadership Series, appearing on the Legends Journey podcast, and sharing insights through events and editorial features.
This consolidation marks a pivotal moment for Canada’s marketing landscape. It brings national recognition under one banner, champions inclusive representation, and provides a space where both legacy and emerging leaders can shape the future of the industry together.
