TIFF Market Adds Four to Leadership Team Ahead of 2026 Launch | Deadline
- Toronto International Film Festival’s ambitious new market, TIFF: The Market, is building out its leadership team ahead of its September 10, 2026 launch.
- Rahul Raman joins the team as Senior Director, Market Sales & Partnerships.
- James Gambhir has been named Senior Director, Business Enablement & Operations.
Toronto International Film Festival’s ambitious new market, TIFF: The Market, is building out its leadership team ahead of its launch. The festival has announced four key appointments to bolster the market’s operations and strategic direction, signaling a significant push towards establishing TIFF as a major international hub for film and television sales and distribution.
Rahul Raman joins the team as Senior Director, Market Sales & Partnerships. Raman brings over two decades of experience in revenue growth and strategic alliances, having previously held positions with Discovery Networks, Sony Entertainment, and Disney Star. His role will be crucial in forging partnerships and developing revenue models to incentivize global participation in the market. The appointment underscores TIFF’s intent to attract a broad range of international buyers and sellers.
James Gambhir has been named Senior Director, Business Enablement & Operations. Gambhir’s background includes senior leadership roles at major Canadian financial institutions – BMO Financial Group, RBC Capital Markets, and Scotiabank – where he spearheaded modernization programs and improved operational efficiencies. His expertise will be vital in ensuring the smooth functioning of the market’s logistical and operational aspects, particularly as it prepares to host a substantial number of attendees.
On the marketing and communications front, Nicole Chrysostom-Murray will serve as Director of Marketing & Communications. Chrysostom-Murray’s experience includes senior management roles at eOne Television, where she oversaw domestic and international marketing campaigns, and at Sony Music Entertainment, where she helped launch the careers of several artists. Her skillset will be essential in building awareness and attracting attendees to TIFF: The Market.
Rounding out the new appointments is Devon Mallory, who takes on the role of Director, Digital. Mallory is a TIFF veteran with a fifteen-year history within the organization, encompassing web development, event ticketing, and IT. His focus will be on ensuring a seamless online experience for market attendees and overseeing the platforms and systems that will facilitate engagement. This appointment highlights the importance of a robust digital infrastructure for a modern film market.
These new leaders will report to Charles Tremblay, Head of TIFF: The Market, and will work alongside recently promoted TIFF veterans Geoff Macnaughton (VP, Market Programming & Theatrical), Jane Kim (Director, Market Programming & Creator Development), and Brittany Allan (Director, Market Experience). The expanded team reflects a concerted effort to build a strong internal structure capable of supporting the market’s ambitious goals.
“I am thrilled to welcome these talented professionals to our senior leadership team,” said Tremblay, speaking from the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin with Raman. “Each brings a proven track record of success that will be instrumental in accelerating the momentum for our launch and supporting our long-term vision.”
The launch of TIFF: The Market comes at a pivotal moment for the independent film industry. The market, backed by a announcement of C$23 million (approximately US$16.9 million) in funding from the Canadian federal government, aims to provide a significant boost to the Canadian film and television sector. Organizers anticipate over 250 international buyers will attend, in addition to the 800 who already attend the annual TIFF festival.
The market will encompass film, television, interactive, and digital content, and will offer 650 market screening slots at venues including TIFF Lightbox and Scotiabank. A unique feature will be the opportunity for sellers to host public test screenings two days before the official market launch, bridging the gap between festival and market experiences. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre will serve as the market hub, hosting 120 exhibitor spaces and various programming stages.
While the timing of the market – shortly after the summer holiday period – has raised some concerns among sales agents and producers, the substantial financial backing and TIFF’s established reputation as a top-tier festival suggest a strong potential for success. Major agencies like UTA Independent Film Group, WME Independent, and CAA Media Finance have already confirmed their participation, bringing completed and packaged projects to the market. The coming months will be critical as TIFF: The Market solidifies its position as a key player in the global film and television landscape.