Dimitri Soudas
| Dimitri Soudas M.A | |
|---|---|
| Canadian Prime Minister's Office | |
| Director of Communications and Chief Spokesman | |
|
In office 2002-2011 | |
| Appointed by | Stephen Harper |
| Monarch | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Stephen Harper |
| Preceded by | John Williamson |
| Succeeded by | Angelo Persichilli |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
July 10, 1979 Montreal, Quebec |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Children | 3 |
| Parents | Georgia Vagia and Nicholas Soudas |
| Alma mater | Simon Fraser University, Concordia University, Dawson College |
Biography
Dimitri Soudas (born July 10, 1979) is currently the Managing Partner of Stampede Group[1] which specialises in food trade into Asian markets and business development. He is also a member of several corporate and not-for-profit boards. Dimitri Soudas is a former Director of Communications and Chief Spokesman to the Canadian Prime Minister, former Executive Director of the Canadian Olympic Committee and former Executive Director/CEO of the Conservative Party of Canada.[2] Dimitri also served for one term as a school trustee at the Western Quebec School board from 2002 to 2005. Dimitri Soudas is fluently trilingual in English, French and Greek as well as intermediate Spanish.
Dimitri Soudas has developed a well-earned reputation as a top performer at the highest levels of government, the private sector, NGO’s and not for profit organisations. Accustomed to high-performance professional environments, he is perhaps best known for his role as the chief spokesperson and Director of Communications to the Prime Minister of Canada where he served with distinction for a decade after fulfilling a number of roles there beginning in 2002.
Following this challenging and rewarding period, Soudas transitioned into the position of Executive Director (Communications) at the Canadian Olympic Committee. His ability to develop a dynamic corporate communications strategy, as well as his work within the organizational structure of the COC, was highly regarded and credited for that organization’s improved government relations, public relations and extremely successful fundraising efforts.
It was this success that led to Soudas’s appointment as Executive Director/CEO of the Conservative Party of Canada, an organisation with more than 100 employees and oversaw a $20 million annual budget.
He then entered the private sector, becoming the Managing Partner of the Stampede Group. In his current role, Mr. Soudas’s expertise in the areas of management, business development and international relations has allowed him to develop successful strategic partnerships for clients in Canada, the United States, China and India.
This combined experience has led to several corporate board appointments for Mr. Soudas (Chair of the Board of Directors of Merry Montreal, EVP 2018 World Equestrian Games, Senior Advisor to the President of Cavalia, Patron's Lunch Organising Committee Member, CNP Board Member, etc.).
One of Soudas's career highlights is when White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs[3] donned a Canadian Olympic Hockey Jersey to fulfill his wager with PMO Spokesman Dimitri Soudas on the outcome of the Canada-US gold medal hockey game at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.[4]
Early life
Soudas was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, to Greek parents He was raised by a single mom and his grandmother. His family immigrated to Canada in the 1970s from Kalavryta, Greece. 41 years later, Soudas, while Communications Director and Chief Spokesman to the Prime Minister of Canada, returned to his ancestral visit with Prime Minister Harper, the first G8 leader to visit the small historic village while in office. His first job was at the age of 13, delivering groceries on a bicycle for Delta Supermarket. A nurse by trade, his mother worked as a waitress in Montreal to put him through private elementary and high school and university.[5] He completed a diploma in health sciences at Dawson College and studied biochemistry at Concordia University. Soudas also holds a master's degree from Simon Fraser University.
Personal life
Dimitri Soudas has 3 children.
Political career
Prime Minister of Canada's Director of Communications and Chief Spokesman to the Prime Minister Of Canada[6]
[7] He was promoted to Director of Communications in spring 2010, following the resignation of. John Williamson. . Dimitri was Responsible for advertising, marketing, media relations and crisis management for the Government of Canada; Reported directly to the Prime Minister and Cabinet regarding the operation and management of government-wide communications; Developed and implemented strategies to enhance and promote the Prime Minister and the Government of Canada; Oversaw the implementation of advertising campaigns, developed branding strategy and positioning among key stakeholders, both domestically and internationally; advised the Prime Minister on all aspects of the government’s communications, public and corporate affairs; Supervised a team of approximately 100 professionals, and was responsible for providing direction to more than 4,000 public servants across the federal government.
Associate Director of Communications & Chief Spokesman[8] to the Prime Minister
[9] 2009-2011- Dimitri helped develop and approved content for all platforms (speeches, web, brochures, presentation slides and all other communication material). he developed and approved international, national and regional marketing, communications and media plans, and liaised with foreign governments (ex: the White House and l’Elysée, etc.). He also briefed and prepared the Prime Minister and Cabinet on a daily basis.
Press Secretary and Senior Quebec Advisor to the Prime Minister
[10] 2006-2009- Dimitri Soudas was responsible for media relations and communications for the Prime Minister; Acted as liaison and helped negotiate agreements regarding culture, infrastructure and various other federal-provincial matters (between the Federal government and Province of Quebec specifically.
On June 1, Soudas revealed he would be stepping down as Harper's chief spokesman on September 5, 2011.[11] He was succeeded by Angelo Persichilli.[12]
Conservative Party of CEO/Canada Executive Director
In December 2013, the Conservative Party of Canada's National Council confirmed Soudas as the new Executive Director, replacing Dan Hilton. Soudas was personally asked by Prime Minister Harper to take the job.[13]
He was later asked to vacate the position after interfering in a local nomination process.[14]
Private sector career
Canadian Olympic Committee Executive Director of Communications[15]
In October 2011, Soudas announced [16] that he would become the Executive Director, Communications for the Canadian Olympic Committee.[17] His role was to provide overall direction,management and strategic planning for all Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) communications,[18] both internally and externally. He acted as a key corporate spokesperson and was responsible for managing the corporation’s brand message, Directing communications strategies with stakeholder and partner groups including: athletes, National Sports Federations (NSFs), Organizing Committees, Sport Canada, broadcast partners, and business partners. Dmitri also Managed the COC communications team and served as Canadian Olympic Team Press Chief at the London 2012 Olympic Games after delivering the most successful communications roll-out in Canadian Olympic history. He was Responsible for government relations with provincial and municipal governments and acted as liaison with the Government of Canada. In The role Dimitri helped fundraise more than $100 million for the organization - the largest infusion of corporate funds in COC history.
Stampede Group Managing Partner
[1] In September 2014, Dimitri Soudas joined Stampede Group, as the Managing Partner. Stampede Group specialist in Business Development and International Trade. As Managing Partner of Stampede Group, Dimitri Soudas focuses his unique management, international relations and private sector expertise by leading the Business Development, International Trade, Strategic Counsel and Issues Management divisions of the company for clients and partners across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, China and India.
International Economic Forum of the Americas Chief Operating Officer
In December 2014, Dimitri Soudas joined International Economic Forum of the Americas, as Chief Operating Officer while remaining Managing Partner of Stampede Group.
The International Economic Forum of the Americas was created to promote the role of the Americas in major decisions and reforms related to the current global economic context. Its mission is also to facilitate agreements, offer business opportunities and provide access to unique insights from leading specialists.
Canadian Nectar Products Board of Directors
In August 2014, Dimitri Soudas joined the Board of Directors of Canadian Nectar Products.
CNP is a part of large corporation that has established Orchard projects for over 30 years and operates in State of Washington (USA), Chile, Republic of Georgia and India.
World Equestrian Games Executive Vice President
In May 2014, Dimitri Soudas became the Executive Vice President (Business Affairs and Corporate Sponsorship for the World Equestrian Games World Equestrian Games 2018
Cavalia
In September 2014, Dimitri Soudas joined the Advisory Board of Cavalia, as a Senior Advisor to the President where he is responsible for Business Development and Public Affairs.
Volunteerism
Merry Montreal/Montreal en Fetes, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dimitri Soudas serves as the Chairman of the Board of Merry Montreal. A not-for-profit organization, Merry Montreal[19] is the flagship holidays event of Montreal.
Tourist magnet during the holidays, Merry Montreal, through its programming, free activities, length and originality is becoming the leader of wintery events in Canada.
Presented in the Old Montreal and the Old Port, the event enjoys a beautiful atmosphere to offer free activities to kids, adults and families in order to spark the Christmas magic in all.
Throughout the month of December to January 1, the Old Montreal and the Old Port celebrate the holidays, thanks to the 3rd edition of Merry Montreal. Enjoy with us magic moments in the beautiful and unique décor of one of the oldest neighbourhood of North America. Take a stroll through beautiful street and discover all the activities it contains, its historical cachet and its restaurants, boutiques and hotels.
Don’t wait and come to discover all these unique attractions! Do not miss Merry Montreal’s Christmas Market, nor the Out Door Holiday Flicks and the incredible New Year’s Eve Party! Merry Montreal offers numerous ways to celebrate the holidays with friends and all your loved ones!
Awards
Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (Elizabeth II)
In 2012 Dimitri Soudas was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal.[20] The Medal is awarded to individuals for having made a significant contribution to their fellow countrymen, their community, or to Canada over the previous sixty years
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (French: Médaille du jubilé de diamant de la reine Elizabeth II) or The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal is a commemorative medal created in 2012 to mark the sixtieth anniversary of Elizabeth II's accession to the thrones of the Commonwealth realms. There are three versions of the medal: one issued by the United Kingdom, another by Canada, and the third for the Caribbean realms of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The ribbon used with the Canadian and British versions of the medal are the same, while the Caribbean medal's ribbon differs slightly. The different iterations of the medal were presented to tens of thousands of recipients throughout the Commonwealth realms in the jubilee year.
National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada
On October 25, 2010, Dimitri Soudas was inducted as a "Lifetime Honorary Board Member" of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada for his more than decade of service to Canada's Multicultural Media.
Quotable Quotes
“PMO spokesman Dimitri Soudas is a nice fellow -- personable, articulate and smart.” – Michael Den Tandt (The Owen Sound Sun Times, August 27, 2010)
“But while Soudas was on his staff, Harper went from being the leader of a dispirited Canadian Alliance in 2002 to leader of a Conservative majority government in 2011. The Prime Minister clearly associates the scrappy ex-Montrealer with success.” – Paul Wells (http://www.macleans.ca/politics/dont-stop-believing-2/, January 3, 2014)
“Soudas, as is known on the Hill by anybody, is a hard-working young guy, proud of his heritage and culture but is a Canadian first and foremost. He has strong opinions, but he's also very humble. He has been able to reach the top never while forgetting where he came from.” – Angelo Persichilli (http://www.hilltimes.com/backrooms/2011/06/06/soudas-helped-kenney-change-his-approach-with-ethnic-media/26390, June 6, 2011)
“Vraiment, M. Soudas a son travail dans la peau.» (http://www.vigile.net/Qui-est-donc-Dimitri-Soudas, April 22, 2011)
COC president Marcel Aubut praised Mr. Soudas’ work and said the committee was “disappointed” when he left since his “contribution was absolutely huge.” (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/running-mates-political-duo-soudas-and-adams-vow-to-fight-on/article17841964/?page=all#dashboard/follows/, April 5, 2014)
“While serving in the PMO, he won praise as “a fierce loyalist of the Prime Minister” from the corporate media. He was considered to have open-door access to the Prime Minister on Quebec matters, including in the appointment of Quebec advisors and officials.” (http://www.bulletinaylmer.com/archives/1768, September 7, 2011)
The press secretary, who has been at Harper's side for nearly three years, said he felt that Soudas' biggest influence on the Conservative government's communications team was asking them to be "really active and engaged with the press"—a reversal of direction from previous leadership—as well as intensely focusing on multicultural and third-language media. "That's really something that he has spearheaded," (Andrew) MacDougall said (http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/08/30/dimitri-soudas-harper-communications_n_942704.html, August 30, 2011)
“He was a hard worker, calling journalists at every time of day to offer comments, tips, quotes or, at times, stinging criticism.” – Steven Chase and Daniel LeBlanc (Globe and Mail, June 2, 2011)
Senator Marjory LeBreton said she will miss Mr. Soudas. "He's been an outstanding, hard-working colleague," Ms. LeBreton said. "I have nothing but admiration for his hard work and devotion to the Prime Minister." (theglobeandmail.com, June 1, 2011)
“Dimitri is hard working. He's been there forever” – Malorie Beauchemin (La Presse) (Power Play, CTV News Channel, June 1, 2011)
“PMO communications director Dimitri Soudas was picked as Parliament Hill's top staffer for the second year in a row in The Hill Times' Terrific 25 Staffers Survey.” – The Hill Times, March 28, 2011
“As one of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's longest-serving aides, Dimitri Soudas continues to play an influential and key role in the PMO and in shaping the political agenda. He not only has tremendous access to the Prime Minister, but also plays an important role as a top strategist for the party.” – The Hill Times, The Hill Times' top 100 most influential people in government and politics in 2011, December 20, 2010
“Along with Mr. Vanstone in the PMO, the government's nerve centre, communications director Dimitri Soudas continues to be a key player. Mr. Soudas has long been a major media force, actively spitting government talking points on TV, radio and in print.” – Kristen Shane, The Hill Times, September 20, 2010
“Mr. Soudas has taken on a higher profile as the Prime Minister's spokesperson. He has enormous access to Mr. Harper, and is a key strategist in the PMO.” – “The top 100 most influential people in government and politics in 2010”, The Hill Times, December 14, 2009
“Well, I think, you know, I think it's a good choice. I mean, I talked to Dimitri on the weekend. He said that the prime minister called him two weeks ago and offered him the job and he couldn't refuse. Obviously, he's got a lot of energy. He's, you know, he's going to be a tough guy at the helm. As a Quebecer, frankly, it's better because the national party was nowhere to be seen here, you know, in the last few years, so at least he's going to have some interest in the Quebec candidates and what have you. And overall, I mean, you can't find anybody more loyal to, to Mr. Harper than Dimitri. So, I mean, for the prime minister, he's on safe ground and the party won't create any trouble for him because Dimitri will get at their jugular before they even have a chance to speak.” – Jean Lapierre, Power Play, CTV News Channel, December 9, 2013
“Dimitri Soudas, one of Harper's most influential and loyal soldiers” – Jason Fekete, Canada.com, January 23, 2012
"Dimitri's leadership experience in communications, his background in government and understanding of global affairs, makes him an outstanding addition to our executive leadership team," Chris Overholt, chief executive officer of the COC, said in a statement (CBC.ca, September 28, 2011)
“Soudas was also known as a very hands-on and influential member of Harper's staff. A fierce defender of the prime minister…” (CBC.ca, September 28, 2011)
“Dimitri Soudas gives his last briefing Tuesday, taking reporters through the Prime Minister's trip this week to Paris and Italy. Stephen Harper's director of communications, on of his most influential and loyal soldiers” – Jane Taber (theglobeandmail.com, August 30, 2011)
“But if you look at it from another perspective, he was smart enough in the sense that they understood that they're more than the Ottawa press gallery, that there are this all new group of ethnic media out there, which they are very good at going after. And they go out and they get local media coverage all the time. And what they've decided to do, to a large extent, was to overpass us. And from my own personal perspective, I've had a fairly good relationship with Dimitri because he understands that CTV, which is the largest broadcasting outfit in the country, we have Lloyd Robertson's newscast averaging 1.2 to 1.4 million people a night, so he doesn't ignore us in terms of the national newscast. But a lot of other smaller media organizations, they've had trouble. But I think because his strategy has been, if you've got the numbers, you know, we'll talk to you.” – Robert Fife (Power Play, CTV News Channel, June 1, 2011)
“He has served this prime minister with unmistakable loyalty, passion and dedication," Sara MacIntyre, Harper's press secretary, said in an email. "Those that have worked closely with Dimitri know of his great personal sacrifice, tenacity and perseverance." (CBC.ca, June 1, 2011)
“The prime minister has relied heavily on Soudas, in particular, for advice about French Canada, and Harper rarely says a word in his second language, French, without first running it by Soudas, a bilingual Montrealer.” – David Akin (Sault Star, January 24, 2011)
“You know, Mr. Soudas is one of Harper's most trusted advisors. He's been with him right from the beginning” – Robert Fife (CTV, Question Period, December 8, 2013)
“Dimitri Soudas, a 31-year-old Montrealer, can easily be counted among Mr. Harper's most loyal aides - one who had the authority to walk into the Conservative Leader's office unbidden or suggest revisions to the Prime Minister's plans.” – Steven Chase and Daniel LeBlanc (Globe and Mail, June 2, 2011)
“Like any savvy communicator, Mr. Soudas managed his exit so it wasn't entirely a surprise, telling reporters during the recent election campaign that he would be leaving within the year” – Steven Chase and Daniel LeBlanc (Globe and Mail, June 2, 2011)
“Dimitri Soudas, l'homme qui a la totale et absolue confiance de Stephen Harper, quitte son poste de directeur des communications du premier ministre canadien” – Michel Corbeil (Le Soleil, June 1, 2011, http://www.lapresse.ca/le-soleil/actualites/politique/201106/01/01-4405020-dimitri-soudas-quitte-son-poste-de-directeur-des-communications.php)
“... a Conservative who worekd with Harper on a response to the Bloc motion siad. ‘This was discussions at the P&P’ – Priorities and Planning committee of cabinet – ‘or of a few key advisors.’ These included Dimitri Soudas” (Paul Wells, The Longer I’m Prime Minister, pg. 89)
“Dimitri Soudas, le fidèle soldat” (http://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/politique/politique-canadienne/200912/15/01-931135-dimitri-soudas-le-fidele-soldat.php, December 15, 2009)
«Dimitri Soudas, un homme influent ? Il est surtout le plus grand fidèle du chef conservateur. Le chef libéral Michael Ignatieff parlait hier de lui comme de « la main droite de Stephen Harper », « comme un petit chien à côté de lui ». Le relationniste a certainement valu plusieurs bons coups à son patron, dont celui du bout de phrase « dans un Canada uni », ajouté à la motion du Bloc québécois reconnaissant la nation québécoise. Le spécialiste des communications Bernard Motulsky remarque que Dimitri Soudas occupe une place plus grande que ses prédécesseurs et collègues de la colline. « C’est bien le seul responsable des communications qu’on [le public] connaît — peut-être en partie parce qu’il parle français. Mais le fait d’avoir un compte Twitter suivi, et qu’on entende souvent son nom, fait qu’il est devenu plus grand que sa fonction [de directeur des communications], qui est généralement une fonction effacée », rappelle le titulaire de la Chaire de relations publiques et communication marketing de l’UQAM. (http://www.vigile.net/Qui-est-donc-Dimitri-Soudas, April 22, 2011)
“He and his staff drafted a motion identical to the one to be put forward by the Bloc Quebecois but for four critical words added on to the end, reading: "That this House recognize that the Quebecois form a nation within a united Canada ." Some Conservatives gave credit for the idea to Mr. Soudas, a young Quebecker of Greek descent. But Mr. Soudas refused to acknowledge that he played so crucial a part” - Gloria Galloway, The Globe and Mail, November 24, 2006)
Sun News vice-president Kory Teneycke, who has also served as Harper's communications director, said Soudas will be "hard to replace" in his capacity as an adviser on Quebec. "Dimitri has always been a leading voice around the table," Teneycke said. (http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2011/06/01/pm-communications-director-to-step-down-2, June 1, 2011)
Media Articles
http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/still-on-message/
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=521198
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/robert-gibbs-doesnt-wear-canada-hockey-jersey-yet/
http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=be87fba3-9d50-4936-8663-7262335343e9
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/12/robert-gibbs-makes-good-o_n_497078.html
http://www.macleans.ca/general/soudas-steps-down/
http://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/dimitri-soudas-and-stephen-harpers-future/
http://www.macleans.ca/general/canadian-olympians-and-paralympians-on-the-hill/
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/12/06/dimitri-soudas-conservatives_n_4401537.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/09/28/former-pmo-spokesman-dimi_n_985023.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/08/30/dimitri-soudas-harper-communications_n_942704.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/05/29/harper-nazi-massacre-site_n_868555.html
https://www.hilltimes.com/28156/slideshow/dimitri_soudas_farewell_party_aug._30_2011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd2Z3Ij2cG8
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/307433
http://socdem.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Soudas.jpg
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dimitri Soudas. |
- 1 2 http://www.stampedegroup.ca/dimitri.html
- ↑ http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/dimitri-soudas-out-as-conservative-party-executive-director-1.2592198
- ↑ "Robert Gibbs Doesn't Wear Canada Hockey Jersey -- Yet". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
- ↑ "dimitri soudas | Stephen Taylor". www.stephentaylor.ca. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
- ↑ http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/still-on-message/
- ↑ "Harper names Soudas as his main spokesman". www.cbc.ca. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
- ↑ http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/harper-loyalist-dimitri-soudas-named-executive-director-of-conservative-party-of-canada
- ↑ http://www.washingtontimes.com, The Washington Times. "Dimitri Soudas - Bio, News, Photos - Washington Times". www.washingtontimes.com. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
- ↑ http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/harper-s-spokesman-soudas-moving-on-1.1009578
- ↑ http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/12/07/dimitri_soudas_member_of_stephen_harpers_inner_circle_to_head_conservative_party.html
- ↑ "Harper aide Soudas calls it quits". Toronto Star, June 1, 2011.
- ↑ "Harper finds new communication director in ranks of ethnic media". The Globe and Mail, August 31, 2011.
- ↑ http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/conservative-party-names-former-pmo-spokesperson-as-new-executive-director-1.1579365
- ↑ http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/soudas-forced-to-resign-after-meddling-in-partners-nomination-race/article17751762/
- ↑ "PM’s former communications director Soudas joins Canadian Olympic Committee". www.marketingmag.ca. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
- ↑ "Former Harper spokesman Soudas joins Canadian Olympic Committee". National Post. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
- ↑ "Former Harper spokesman Soudas joins Canadian Olympic Committee". National Post, S.
- ↑ "Former PMO staffer Soudas joins Canadian Olympic Committee". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
- ↑ "Merry Montreal 2015". Montréal en Fêtes / Merry Montreal 2015. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
- ↑ "Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal". Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.