Piers Handling announced Saturday that he will be stepping down as CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) at the conclusion of the event in 2018.
Handling joined the organization in 1982 and has been at its helm for 23 years.
“I am incredibly proud of the legacy we have achieved during that time,” Handling said in a statement released by TIFF. “I am completely confident in the future of TIFF. It is now one of the most important organizations in the world.”
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In the statement, the organization highlighted some of Handling’s greatest achievements, including growing TIFF into a “thriving year-round arts organization with global impact,” supporting the careers of numerous Canadian and International filmmakers and “leading the campaign to design, fund and build TIFF Bell Lightbox.”
Throughout his storied career, Handling has also been awarded Officer of the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario, as well as CEO of the Year by the Canadian Public Relations Society among others.
“While I am excited about what the future holds in store for me, my immediate focus remains leading this wonderful organization through to the end of 2018, ensuring that TIFF continues to inspire audiences and celebrate the riches of cinema from all over the globe,” Handling said.
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The organization said it will begin to search for Handling’s successor in the coming months.