Waterloo Region, September 10, 2014 – The Chair of the Canadian Digital Media Network (CDMN), Tom Jenkins, announced today that Kevin Tuer has been appointed Managing Director of Canada’s new Open Data Initiative and that Avvey Peters will replace him as the Managing Director of the Canadian Digital Media Network.

The CDMN received $3M in funding in the federal budget to create the Open Data Initiative as a marketplace to encourage the commercialization of open data by Canadian companies and entrepreneurs.

“Open data represents an untapped commercial opportunity for Canadian Small and Medium sized enterprises,” said Kevin Tuer “and our goal will be to help companies bring new ideas and products to market by increasing the accessibility of this data.”

“Kevin was the founding director of the CDMN – creating the network of 29 hubs, and launching successful initiatives such as the soft landing program, Canada 3.0 and Brasil-Canada 3.0.” said Tom Jenkins “These successes led directly to the investment in the Open Data initiative, which is why he is the perfect choice to launch and grow this important new organization.”

Avvey Peters, who is currently the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for both Communitech and the Canadian Digital Media Network, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of the Technology Councils of North America, will take over as the Managing Director of the CDMN.

“The appointment of Avvey Peters ensures the leadership of the Canadian Digital Media Network remains in good hands.’ said Tom Jenkins “She has worked alongside Kevin in growing the CDMN, and will continue to work to strengthen the network, both in Canada and internationally.”

About The Canadian Digital Media Network 

The Canadian Digital Media Network (CDMN) www.cdmn.ca, a federal Centre of Excellence in Commercialization and Research (CECR), is dedicated to establishing Canada as a world leader in digital media (ICT + mobile) by creating and enabling connections and collaboration between entrepreneurs, companies, research institutes, government and intermediary organizations across the country. CDMN helps bring more digital media solutions to market to create more companies, jobs and wealth in Canada. Follow @CDMN on Twitter, join the Canadian Digital Media Network Group on LinkedIn and like the Canadian Digital Media Network Page on Facebook.