It’s “Pitch or Perish” for finalists in Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec
Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec Announces Top 10 Finalists
TORONTO – March 15, 2011 – After months of preparation and competition Canada’s Next
Top Ad Exec (CNTAE) has announced its top 10 finalists from universities across Canada. This
year, CNTAE partnered with leading sponsor Chevrolet to challenge Canadian business
students to create a strategic marketing plan for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic.
As the importance of experiential education increases in Canadian post-secondary education,
Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec allows students to participate in a business competition with realworld results. Participants are asked to develop a marketing campaign for the 2012 Chevrolet
Sonic using non-traditional platforms, such as online and social media. Campaigns are judged
by a panel of industry experts in marketing, advertising, public relations and human resources,
along with educators from Canadian business schools.
“At CNTAE, we see the best and brightest compete against one another,” said Meghan
Brennan, co-chair, CNTAE. “This year’s competition has been exceptional, with a high number
of quality campaigns. The top 10 finalists really set themselves apart in terms of innovation and
professionalism. We are excited to see their final presentations.”
The competition allows students to benefit from public/private sector partnerships in education,
bringing together industry experience and classroom creativity. Students compete for prizes
including two Chevrolet Sonics, paid internships with sponsoring organizations and other
companies, two $2,500 scholarships from Chevrolet, two $1,000 scholarships from Chevrolet
and four Fujifilm camera packages.
“Chevrolet's partnership with Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec has generated excitement,
enthusiasm, and most importantly, ideas from students across the country that have the
opportunity to contribute directly to our marketing and media strategies,” said Kevin Williams,
president and managing director of GM Canada. “Chevrolet is redefining expectations for small
cars like the Sonic, and we highly value the fresh look and innovative thinking that students are
bringing to this competition."
The next and final step for CNTAE’s top 10 finalists is the “Pitch or Perish” presentations and
awards gala on Tuesday, March 29 at Toronto’s Thompson Hotel. Students will pitch their final
campaign presentations to the judging panel and a winning team will be announced. The “Pitch
or Perish” event will also feature author and brand consultant Bruce Philp as a guest speaker.
Top 10 Teams and Finalists
•
Acadia University: Chase Ellestad
•
Laurentian University: Matthew Marcuccio and Patrick Barsalou
•
McMaster University: Ryan Martin and Brandon Greenspoon
•
McMaster University: Patricia Wozniak and Joanna Periversoff
•
Queens University: Michelle Yee and Ben Richards
•
St. Francis Xavier University and University of Victoria: Kelsey Cole and Paul King
•
Simon Fraser University: Isaiah Balderissa and Carolina Dubanik
•
University of Alberta: Michael Holmes and Maya Ciesznyka
•
University of Lethbridge: Brittany Miller and Amanda Miller
•
York University: Deven Dionisi and Kathryn Savoie
About Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec:
Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec is a national business case-study competition based out of
McMaster University. 2011 sponsors include Chevrolet, MacClaren McCann, GCI Group,
Fujifilm, Cascades, Creative Niche Inc. and PepsiCo. Now in its fifth year, the competition is
entirely student-run with the generous support of sponsoring organizations.
-30Media Contacts:
Kiel Hume
GCI Group
416-486-7231
kiel.hume@gcicanada.com
Carolyn Schulz
GCI Group
416-486-7272
carolyn.schulz@gcicanada.com