Canada’s media and entertainment sector sits at the intersection of creativity, connectivity, and critical infrastructure. From streaming platforms and broadcast networks to gaming, film production, and live entertainment, these organizations operate vast digital ecosystems that are increasingly targeted by cyber adversaries. Content theft, service disruption, data privacy, and operational resilience are no longer abstract risks; they’re board-level concerns that can directly impact brand trust and revenue.
The leaders highlighted below are shaping how security supports innovation across Canada’s media and entertainment landscape. Some hold the CISO title today, others have evolved into advisory or strategic roles, but all continue to influence how organizations protect content, platforms, and audiences in a rapidly changing threat environment.
Nicholas Payant — SVP & Chief Information Security Officer, Bell Canada
As SVP and CISO at Bell Canada, Nicholas Payant operates at the forefront of one of the country’s most complex telecommunications and media environments. With Bell’s reach spanning connectivity, broadcasting, and digital services, Payant leads security strategy at a scale where resilience and reliability are inseparable from customer trust. His work focuses on advancing secure network technologies and ensuring Bell’s infrastructure can support innovation while withstanding an increasingly hostile threat landscape. Under his leadership, security is positioned as a business enabler, protecting services that millions of Canadians rely on every day.
Fred Bedrich — Former CISO, Cogeco Inc.
With more than three decades of experience, Fred Bedrich has built a reputation as a trusted executive advisor at the intersection of cybersecurity, resilience, and governance. During his tenure as CISO at Cogeco, he led Canadian and U.S. InfoSec teams through a multi-year roadmap that leveraged automation, ML, and AI while aligning closely with regulatory and critical infrastructure requirements. Now on a career break, Bedrich remains highly relevant to the industry, advising leadership teams and boards on governing technology, managing crisis, and enabling responsible innovation—particularly in high-stakes, high-compliance environments.
Adam Zimmerman — Vice President, Cyber Security & CISO, Gateway Casinos and Entertainment
Adam Zimmerman brings a deeply operational and mission-driven mindset to cybersecurity leadership at Gateway Casinos and Entertainment. With experience ranging from advanced malware research to representing the Canadian Armed Forces in cyber warfare exercises, Zimmerman leads cyber resilience for a large, distributed entertainment organization. His role spans cloud security, threat intelligence, incident response, and executive communication, ensuring that cybersecurity maturity keeps pace with both business growth and evolving adversary tactics. Zimmerman is also recognized for his thought leadership, mentorship, and ability to translate complex security challenges into actionable executive decisions.
Rod Hynes — Director, Information Security (Strategy, GRC & Partnerships), Bell
While not holding the formal CISO title, Rod Hynes plays a critical role in shaping Bell’s enterprise security posture. With nearly 25 years of experience, he leads governance, risk, compliance, identity governance, and data protection initiatives across the organization. Hynes is known for bridging technical depth with business strategy, working closely with executives, regulators, and government partners to address both current and emerging threats. His influence extends beyond Bell through his role on the Board of Directors at the Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange, reinforcing his standing as a key voice in Canada’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
Rick Carville — Vice President, Cybersecurity & Chief Information Security Officer, Great Canadian Entertainment
Rick Carville oversees cybersecurity strategy for one of Canada’s largest gaming and entertainment operators, protecting digital and physical environments across more than 25 locations nationwide. With over 25 years in IT and security leadership, Carville focuses on embedding cybersecurity into business operations, aligning risk management, regulatory compliance, and threat intelligence with customer trust and operational continuity. His emphasis on building a strong security culture, from frontline employees to executives, positions cybersecurity as a shared responsibility across the enterprise.
Steve Schwartz — Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer, Lionsgate
As CISO at Lionsgate, Steve Schwartz is responsible for securing the digital backbone of a global entertainment brand with Canadian operations. With more than 25 years of experience in IT and security leadership, Schwartz oversees the protection of thousands of endpoints and servers supporting film and television production, distribution, and corporate operations. Known for his expertise in governance, compliance, disaster recovery, and digital asset management, Schwartz has consistently aligned security strategy with creative and business objectives—ensuring protection without slowing innovation.
Jassi Kaur — CIO & CISO, Toronto Film School and Yorkville University
Jassi Kaur brings a unique blend of technology transformation and security leadership to Canada’s creative education sector. As CIO and CISO for Toronto Film School and Yorkville University, she leads initiatives that support digital learning environments, creative production tools, and institutional resilience. With over 15 years of experience managing complex, cross-functional programs, Kaur focuses on optimizing operations while safeguarding the systems that enable the next generation of media and entertainment professionals.
Securing Creativity at Scale
The media and entertainment industry thrives on speed, creativity, and audience engagement, but sustaining that momentum requires leaders who understand risk as deeply as innovation. The CISOs and security leaders featured here demonstrate how cybersecurity can protect creative ecosystems, enable digital growth, and strengthen trust in an era where disruption is constant. As Canada’s media landscape continues to evolve, these voices will remain essential in shaping a secure and resilient future.