Canadian music industry veteran Steve Jordan is leaving the Polaris Music Prize, the award he founded in 2006, to join CBC Music as its Senior Director.
“I’ve been really struggling to articulate the mixed emotions I have leaving something I started and have devoted myself to for the last 15 years,” said Jordan in a statement. “I’m sad to leave the day-to-day, but feel a lot of joy that Polaris, culturally and financially, is in the strongest position it’s ever been. I have every confidence that the stewardship of the jury, our team, and our stakeholders will ensure Polaris continues with integrity and vitality that people expect of it. It also feels good that so many of our sponsors and suppliers have been with us since the beginning and continue to support our mission of amplifying the musical excellence in this country. The various hands that touch Polaris throughout the year are all good hands to be leaving it in.”
Jordan will take up his new post Mar. 2. In the interim, Polaris events manager Claire Dagenais will take on an expanded role within Polaris, while Jordan continues to provide guidance as a board member.
The not-for-profit organization annually honours and rewards artists who produce Canadian music albums of distinction. A select panel of music critics judge and award the Prize without regard to musical genre or commercial popularity. Since its inception it’s recognized artists including Jeremy Dutcher, Lido Pimienta, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Tanya Tagaq, Arcade Fire, and Feist, among others.
Susan Marjetti, Executive Director, Radio and Audio, CBC, said in a release that the public broadcaster is thrilled to benefit from Jordan’s decades of music industry experience.
“Steve is an innovative, imaginative, creative and entrepreneurial force of nature and he has brought national recognition to generations of incredibly talented emerging and established Canadian artists,” said Marjetti.
“Canadian music, in all its magnificent colours, origins and styles, is and always should be, ‘home’ at the CBC,” added Jordan. “The expertise and passion for music at CBC is already second to none. With that in place, I look forward to further building our relationship with artists, and ensuring that CBC Music is Canada’s most trusted music authority.”
Jordan started his working career at CKLC Kingston where he served as music director from 1990-93, before joining Kinetic Records in promotions, and later Warner Music Canada and True North Records in A&R roles.
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