Executives from Holt Renfrew, MDA Space, and Steele Auto Group will take part in the main-stage session on November 11 at Infotech's three-day conference for CIOs and IT leaders at the Fairmont Royal York. The conference is built around a shared challenge: turning advances in AI into measurable business improvements while managing costs, risk, and organizational change.

TORONTO, Nov. 6, 2026 /CNW/ -- Infotech, a global research and API-driven advisory firm, will host a main-stage panel with the CIO Association of Canada at Infotech LIVE 2026 in Toronto. The conference, taking place November 10–12 at the Fairmont Royal York, will bring together CIOs and other senior IT leaders from various regions and industries. The session, Developing Senior IT Leaders for the Agentic Era, will feature three technology executives discussing how leadership development has prepared them to build the organizational foundations for an AI-supported future.

The CIO Association of Canada (CIOCAN) is a national, not-for-profit association representing CIOs, CISOs, and IT executives. Founded in 2004, CIOCAN advances executive development through peer networking, shared best practices, and professional recognition. Its participation in Infotech LIVE connects that focus with Infotech's global research and advisory expertise, bringing attendees guidance informed by both proven methodologies and leadership experience. 

"CIOs are being asked to make faster and more complex decisions about agentic AI while continuing to deliver reliable services and lead their teams through change," says Hannes Scheidegger, Chief Global Services Officer at Infotech. "Having CIOCAN and these panellists on the Infotech LIVE main stage lets attendees hear how experienced leaders have prepared for those responsibilities and how that learning informs their approach to execution."

CIOCAN Panel at Infotech LIVE 2026 in Toronto: Developing Senior IT Leaders for the Agentic Era

Taking place November 11 on the main stage at Infotech LIVE 2026 in Toronto, the panel will feature:

• Alicia Samuel, CIO.D^®, Senior Vice President, IT & Supply Chain, Holt Renfrew
• Doris Simcich, CIO.D^®, Global Vice President, IT, MDA Space
• Jennifer Hutton, CIO.D^®, Vice President, IT & Risk, and Chief Privacy Officer, Steele Auto Group
• Yasemin Sezer, Executive Counselor, Infotech, moderating the panel

"Leadership development gives senior IT executives the opportunity to step back from immediate demands and examine how they make decisions, influence the trajectory of the organization, and deliver results," says Derek Cullen, President and Chair of the CIO Association of Canada. "The leaders who will be speaking at Infotech LIVE in Toronto will bring their own perspectives on how that preparation has helped them lead. Their experiences offer a useful starting point for peers considering what they need to strengthen as their organizations prepare for agentic AI."

CIO.D^® is the CIO Association of Canada's professional designation for CIOs. The pathway includes the CIO Executive Leadership Program, delivered by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management in collaboration with CIOCAN. The program covers executive responsibilities including strategy, financial management, governance, board relationships, and delivery excellence.

What to Expect at Infotech LIVE 2026 in Toronto

The conference offers more than 30 feature and technology keynotes and over 40 breakout and hands-on workshop sessions. The agenda combines expert guidance and industry roundtables to help CIOs and IT leaders address organizational priorities and develop outputs they can apply within their teams.

Featured speakers for the 2026 event at the Fairmont Royal York include Rick Hillier, former Chief of the Defence Staff and Chair of the Ukrainian World Congress Strategic Advisory Council. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect directly with Infotech industry analysts, technology experts, and senior peers, with access to advice, benchmarks, and IT Playbooks to guide improvements across their respective technology functions.

For the latest agenda and registration information, visit Infotech LIVE 2026 in Toronto.

Media Passes for Infotech LIVE 2026 in Toronto

Media professionals, including journalists, podcasters, and industry influencers, are invited to attend Infotech LIVE 2026 in Toronto to gain exclusive access to research, content, and interviews with industry leaders.

Media professionals can apply for complimentary in-person passes by contacting pr@infotech.com.

About the Infotech LIVE Global Conference Series

LIVE is Infotech's global conference series, bringing together thousands of IT leaders through events across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The series connects CIOs and senior technology executives with expert guidance and an international community of peers to help them navigate emerging technologies and improve organizational performance.

Exhibitor Opportunities

Exhibitors are also invited to be part of Infotech LIVE and showcase their products and services to a highly engaged audience of IT decision-makers. For more information about becoming an Infotech LIVE exhibitor, please contact events@infotech.com.

About Infotech

Infotech (formerly Info-Tech Research Group) provides an API-driven advisory model to over 30,000 IT leaders globally to systematically improve their organizations. With 30 years of trusted expertise and proven impact, Infotech equips technology leaders with industry-leading expert guidance, proven methodologies, practical tools, training, coaching, and consulting to accelerate decisions and deliver measurable outcomes.

To learn more about Infotech's HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm's SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

About CIO Association of Canada (CIOCAN)

The CIO Association of Canada is the only national professional association that connects IT executives across the country, empowering them to consistently grow as leaders. Our members are not just technologists - they represent change, innovation, and community. CIOCAN helps Canada's top technology leaders thrive in today's digital world through informed networking and a commitment to professional excellence. Learn more at CIOCAN.ca.

SOURCE Infotech