Diverse perspectives, deeper connections key to success for incoming leadership team
TORONTO, September 23, 2025 – The Toronto chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) is pleased to announce its newly appointed Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 program year.
The AMA Toronto Board is a diverse group of marketing, digital, and communications leaders who bring perspectives from across industries and cultures. Together, they will guide the chapter in its mission to foster professional development and thought leadership, while creating valuable networking opportunities that make the chapter an essential part of the Greater Toronto Area’s marketing community. This year’s board is also committed to driving the chapter’s operational excellence and digital transformation.
The full list of members of the 2025-2026 AMA Toronto Board of Directors includes:
- Max Rakov, President
- Olga Pigeon, Past President
- Nicole Hrinco, President-Elect
- Robert MacLean, VP, Communications & PR
- Jacob Kessler, VP, Canada’s Marketing Hall of Legends
- Roberta Biondic, VP, Operations & Treasurer
- Yalcin Parmaksiz, VP, Academics & Executive Secretary
- Aleksandra Lekic, VP, Events & Marketing
- Brent Kobayashi, VP, Digital
- Ignacio Chehade, VP, International
- Louise Taylor, VP, Volunteers
- Mirella Miranda, VP, Strategy & Insights
- Glenda Haro, VP, Membership
- Dipendra Dhankhar, Co-VP, Brand & Marketing Communications
- Jessica Siu, Co-VP, Brand & Marketing Communications
- Lina Komkova, VP, Business Development
- Nat Korol, VP, Leadership Excellence
- Natasha Mody, Co-VP, Programming & Innovation
- Seema Shah, Co-VP, Programming & Innovation
“I’m honoured and thrilled to be working alongside a group of people who represent such a wide range of voices, skills and perspectives on this year’s board of directors,” incoming chapter President Max Rakov says. “Together, we will continue to evolve and tailor our chapter’s programming to create even more value for our members.”
Rakov inherits his role from Olga Pigeon, who will continue to serve on the board as immediate past president.
“Olga and her team have done an amazing job of taking the chapter to new heights over the past 12 months,” Rakov says. “Through their initiatives around mentorship, programming and more, they leave us with a powerful legacy on which to build the future.”
As a leading, award-winning chapter of the association, AMA Toronto will continue to promote a diverse and inclusive membership, embrace the global community, develop a learning business ecosystem and position the chapter as an essential hub for thought leadership.
“Building on these strategic five pillars, we aim to deliver best-in-class events, networking and career development opportunities for marketers at every step of their journey,” Rakov says. “The coming year is already shaping up to be an exciting and inspiring one, and we invite everyone to be a part of it.”
The 2025-2026 AMA Toronto calendar features the return of the chapter’s annual Career Accelerator, Mentor Exchange, and Executive Coaching programs; Canada’s Marketing Hall of Legends; the annual CMO Panel; and the 10th anniversary of the end-of-year Agency Panel event.
This year also marks the launch of a new Programming & Innovation portfolio, including new signature events and programs, and an Academic portfolio aimed at further strengthening AMA Toronto’s commitment to the future of marketing, learning and thought leadership. The chapter is also relaunching its Advisory Council, expanding its responsibilities, and plans to introduce a stronger global angle to its events and activities.
About AMA Toronto
The Toronto chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA Toronto) is a not-for-profit community of volunteer marketers who have been empowering leadership and business growth for more than 70 years in Canada. With more than 30,000 members and 70 chapters across North America, the AMA is the largest not-for-profit marketing association in the world serving organizations and individuals who practice, teach and study marketing. Learn more here.
About the author
Michael Thede is a marketing and communications expert, and PR manager and senior writer with AMA Toronto. Michael has led international communications for one of the top-ranked business schools in the world and has worked as a consultant for brands such as Disney, Porsche and more. He is a graduate of Western University and has a master’s degree in marketing from Schulich School of Business (York University).