Dr. Sara Diamond, president of OCAD University in Toronto, has been named to the Order of Ontario.

A release from the art and design school notes Diamond has "guided the university in becoming a leader in digital media, design research and curriculum." Diamond also played a role in OCAD U's establishment of the Aboriginal Visual Culture Program.



Meanwhile, OCAD Illustration alumna, Barbara Reid, was also appointed to the Order of Ontario. The "internationally-acclaimed children’s author and illustrator" has sold more than 1.5 million books world wide, and has visited schools and libraries across Canada "to encourage reading and inspire young people to express themselves through art and writing" noted the school.


Diamond, Reid and the other Order of Ontario recipients will be recognized at Queen's Park on Jan. 26.

Joseph Bonnici, formerly of Toronto creative studio Zulu Alpha Kilo, has joined Toronto agency Bensimon Byrne as the new creative director. “Joseph is one of the most accomplished, well-respected and talented creative directors in the industry and has won just about every advertising award imaginable,” said Jack Bensimon, president of Bensimon Byrne, in a release.

Rethink has hired Aaron Starkman as a partner and creative director, to be based in Rethink's Toronto shop. Starkman was previously with Crispin Porter + Bogusky in Toronto. Meanwhile, CP+B promoted Michael Murray to vice president and executive creative director to fill Starkman's shoes.

Andrea Pietkiewicz, formerly a UX (user experience) consultant with Toronto's 76Design, has moved within the city to become manager of UX at Devlin.