James Haggarty Named New CEO of Sim Group

Toronto-Based Conglomerate's Founder, Rob Sim, Will Become Vice Chairman

The Toronto-based Sim Group, which includes Sim Digital, Bling, and Chainsaw, has a new CEO. James Haggarty, formerly managing director at private investment management firm Gibraltar & Co., has been named President and CEO of the production and post conglomerate, succeeding company founder Rob Sim, who becomes vice chairman.

The Sim Group has been on a tear in recent years, buying Bling Digital in 2009, acquiring Master Key Finishing in 2012, and picking up PS Production Services in 2013. A merger with Hollywood post facility Chainsaw happened in 2014, followed by one with Toronto's Tattersall Sound & Picture last year. The company also opened a Brooklyn office for Bling last year, bringing it to the burgeoning New York market.

"As the company continues its upward trajectory, I believe now is the time for me to take a step back from the heavy lifting of running the company and hand the reins over to a new leader," said Rob Sim in a prepared statement. "When I started Sim Video over 34 years ago, I had no idea it would become what it is today."

Before taking his position at Gibraltar & Co., Haggarty did his time in the Canadian media industry, with stints at Rogers Media and Corus Entertainment. "Whether leading mature brands, early stage companies [or] turnaround situations or launching new services, my proven track record of innovation and success across various industries has given me a strong foundation to apply to the Sim Group," he said in a prepared statement.

Recent projects at the Sim Group include the upcoming Warcraft feature film, Spotlight, Game of Thrones, Deadpool and Mr. Robot. The group's companies include Sim Digital, PS Production Services, Bling, Chainsaw, Pixel Underground, Tattersall Sound & Picture and Post Factory.