Toronto's Hot Docs documentary festival has restructured its senior leadership, promoting current executive director Diana Sanchez to the newly created role of president while hiring Mara Gourd-Mercado, currently head of industry at CPH:DOX in Copenhagen, as her successor as executive director from 19 October. Sanchez will focus on strategic direction, artistic oversight, government relations and major financial partnerships, while Gourd-Mercado, who will report to her, takes charge of day-to-day operations, fundraising and industry programming. The move comes as the nonprofit organisation, which turns 34 next year, seeks to consolidate a recovery from serious financial and governance turmoil in recent years.

Hot Docs nearly collapsed two years ago amid a pandemic-driven financial crisis, temporarily closing its Ted Rogers Cinema and cutting staff; in 2024 it was further rocked by the abrupt departure of ten programmers and the resignation of artistic director Hussain Currimbhoy, along with two board members. Sanchez, who joined after that crisis, points to a well-received 2026 festival (23 April–3 May) as evidence of stabilisation and says future priorities include diversifying earned revenue and improving the industry experience, such as the Forum event and delegate lounge. The festival also named Julie Bristow as board chair and Aaron Zeghers as vice-chair.