Gilles Gagnier is the new publisher of Canadian Geographic. He succeeds André Préfontaine, who continues as vice-president, strategic partnerships and customer content.

The appointment comes into effect January 1, 2014. Gagnier joined Canadian Geographic Enterprises in 2000 and has been senior management since 2006. Most recently, he was vice-president of content creation. Préfontaine began his run as publisher in 2006.

Lesley Mellor is no longer with Rogers Media. She was publisher of Canadian Business since 2012 and previously held positions as group advertising director, and director of events and business development.

Ian Portsmouth has been named publisher at Canadian Business. He is the former editor and publisher of Profit, and the appointment follows news of a merger between the two business mags. 

Elizabeth Kerr

Design Edge Canada has hired Elizabeth Kerr as director of sales and marketing. Her experience includes a tenure as director of marketing and communications at Touche Ross/Deloitte, and a 12-year run as publisher of Canadian Yachting and Boating Industry Canada at Kerrwil Publications.

Eric Menard replaces automobile journalist Gabriel Gelinas as editor of Moto Journal, published by Les Editions Jean Robert. Menard has worked as a host for the RDS television network, Porter Novelli and Astral Media.

Agility CMS co-founder Michael Assad has left his role as chief executive officer and stepped down as publisher of Agility's Unbound Media blog. Co-founder and former chief technology officer Jonathan Voigt takes over. Agility also recently promoted Anthony Valela from project manager to direction of operations.

The latest issue of Water Canada is Kerry Freek's last as editor. Next year, she becomes editor-at-large. The mag has tapped Rachel Phan as its new managing editor. She has written for the National Post, the Huffington Post, McClungs mag and more.