About Boris Cho
Marketer | Strategist | Storyteller | Author | Advocate | Father | Nerdologist
Boris Cho is a marketing strategist and dedicated lifelong learner in the realm of media, advertising, and digital innovation, based in Toronto, Ontario. He specializes in client and business strategy, brand and performance marketing, business development, account management, and cultivating strategic partnerships; and he’s driven by a passion for hard work and the pursuit of meaningful change.
Boris is a storyteller at heart, finding inspiration in every corner of the multiverse. An avid fan of comic books and science fiction, he revels in crafting whimsical tales, capturing fleeting moments through photography, and savoring the joys of cooking and sharing meals around a table with friends and family. Beyond the page, he is a seeker; journaling his thoughts, penning poetry, and exploring his spirituality through the lens of Buddhism and power of stillness and kindness. His downtime is a symphony of experiences: listening to the soundtrack of his life, meditating with gratitude, or immersing himself in stories, art exhibits, museums, films, theatre, and live music. But above all, Boris treasures his greatest adventure: being the devoted father to the most extraordinary and beautiful daughter in all of time and space.
Boris is the Vice President, Growth at ChangeMakers — a full-service reputation management (PR), marketing, and social impact consulting firm. Boris is Co-Chair of the National Advertising Benevolence Society Board of Directors and has been a board member of the AdClub of Toronto (Chair of Student Engagement, Chair of Digital Day), Broadcast Research Council of Canada (President), NABS (Chair of Media, Chair of Central Advisory), and POV Magazine. He has served as a jury member for the Effie Awards and the global D&AD Awards. Boris has held senior leadership roles at IPG/Mediabrands, GroupM/WPP, and Dentsu. In addition, Boris is also a certified Art Therapy Practitioner.
The in between - a little (more) about me.
I am, at heart, a seeker — of meaning, of stillness, of beauty, of truth.
Much of who I am today has been shaped not by ease, but by endurance: by learning how to remain open in a world that has often asked me to close. I strive to live deliberately and presently, honouring the quiet moments that tether us back to ourselves; the warmth of sunlight, the ritual of coffee, the calm of early mornings, the sound of my daughter’s laughter, the comfort of a tidy desk, the grace found in kindness freely given. These moments are not small to me; they are the substance of a meaningful life.
Creativity is where I feel most alive. I am deeply nourished by art in all its forms; museums and galleries, theatre seats worn smooth by time, symphonies and live concerts, books that demand to be underlined, and photographs that preserve what words cannot. I write often, sometimes poetry, sometimes fragments, sometimes nonsense; not always to be read, but to be understood by myself. Creation, for me, is both expression and healing.
Professionally, I am a strategist and storyteller by trade, having built a career across media, advertising, and digital innovation. But my work has always been rooted in people: understanding behaviour, intention, emotion, and impact. I believe meaningful work is work that leaves things better than it found them, brands, systems, communities, and lives. Leadership, to me, is not authority but stewardship; not dominance, but service.
Fatherhood is the axis around which my life now turns. Being a single father to my daughter has reshaped my understanding of love, patience, responsibility, and presence. She is my greatest teacher, reminding me daily to slow down, to soften, to choose kindness even when it is difficult. Every version of myself I am striving to become is, in some way, for her. I want her to inherit a world, and a father, rooted in empathy, courage, and integrity.
Spiritually, I walk a contemplative path informed by Buddhism, Stoicism, mindfulness, and the discipline of self-inquiry. Meditation, breathwork, and journaling are not escapes for me; they are practices of return. Through stillness, I have learned that peace is not something to be acquired, but something to be remembered. I am deeply interested in the intersection of psychology, philosophy, art, and healing; which led me to become a certified Art Therapy Practitioner and to continue studying the mind with humility and curiosity.
My writing, including my first published book I Am Here to Fulfill My Destiny — is an extension of this journey. It explores resilience, vulnerability, mental health, masculinity, feminism, love, loss, self-partnership, and the quiet courage it takes to remain open-hearted after adversity. I write not from certainty, but from lived experience. My hope is not to instruct, but to accompany, and to remind others that they are not alone in their own becoming.
I am ambitious, but not in the traditional sense. I no longer measure success by accumulation or external validation. My ambition is to live truthfully, to age with grace, to keep learning, to lead with compassion, and to model a version of humanity rooted in emotional honesty and care. I am committed to feminism not as an ideology, but as a responsibility, especially as a father raising a daughter in a world that still asks women to be smaller than they are.
Above all, I am committed to presence. To choosing awareness over autopilot. To becoming more myself, rather than someone else. To honouring this borrowed time with intention, gratitude, and love.
If I could offer one piece of advice for anyone who’s made it this far:
Choose presence over perfection. Learn to listen to your breath, your body, your intuition; especially when life feels loud or uncertain. You do not need to become someone new to find peace; you need only return to who you already are.
Be gentle with yourself as you unlearn what no longer serves you. Allow vulnerability to be a strength, not a flaw. Let hardship refine you, not harden you. Tend to your inner world with the same care you offer others, because healing is not a destination; it is a daily practice.
Remember that your worth is not measured by productivity, approval, or endurance. It is revealed in how honestly you live, how kindly you love, and how present you are for the moments that matter most. Breathe in. Breathe out. This is where life is happening.
I am Boris Cho — still learning, still healing, still creating. And I am here to fulfill my destiny.
— Sincerely, Boris
Curriculum Vitae
I’m a marketing strategist and growth leader based in Toronto, with nearly two decades of experience across media, advertising, and digital innovation. Over the course of my career, I’ve held senior leadership roles at global organizations including ChangeMakers, GroupM/WPP, IPG Mediabrands, and dentsu, where I’ve focused on building meaningful brands, driving business growth, and cultivating strong client and partner relationships.
Alongside my professional work, I’m deeply committed to giving back to the industry that shaped me. I currently serve as Co-Chair of the National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS) Board of Directors and have held leadership and board roles with the AdClub of Toronto and the Broadcast Research Council of Canada, as well as serving as a jury member for the Effie ande and D&AD Awards.
At my core, I’m a lifelong learner and storyteller — equally motivated by strategy and creativity. Whether through marketing, writing, or community leadership, I’m driven by the belief that thoughtful work, done with care and intention, has the power to create meaningful change.
Professional Experience
Vice President, Growth — ChangeMakers
September 2025 – Present
Boris Cho currently serves as Vice President, Growth at ChangeMakers, a North American communications agency specializing in strategic planning, public relations, marketing, creative services, and social impact consulting. In this role, he leads growth strategy, business development, and client engagement, helping organizations navigate complex, evolving environments through thoughtful, human-centered strategy and multidimensional solutions.
Author — AOS Publishing Inc.
August 2025 – Present
Boris is a published author and poet whose work explores themes of love, resilience, fatherhood, vulnerability, and spirituality. His collection, I Am Here to Fulfill My Destiny — Sincerely, Boris, reflects lived experience and emotional honesty, inviting readers into reflection, connection, and self-discovery through poetry and personal essays.
Director, Growth — Dentsu
October 2022 – June 2025
At dentsu Media, Boris led growth initiatives across clients and internal teams, contributing to business development, strategic partnerships, and integrated marketing efforts within one of the world’s leading media and communications networks.
Senior Account Executive — ALLVISION Digital Out-of-Home
July 2022 – October 2022
Boris worked with Canada’s leading pure-play digital out-of-home media company, supporting premium national advertisers through strategic account leadership, campaign planning, and media solutions across major urban markets.
Vice President, Market Development — GroupM/WPP
February 2022 – July 2022
In this role, Boris focused on market development and strategic growth initiatives, supporting GroupM’s evolving offerings and partnerships within the Canadian media ecosystem.
Senior Director, Strategy (Midas Exchange) — GroupM/WPP
June 2019 – January 2022
As Senior Director of Strategy at Midas Exchange, Boris led strategic planning, client solutions, and innovation initiatives, helping brands navigate performance, investment, and media transformation.
Senior Director / Director, Marketing & Client Strategy — IPG/Omnicom
March 2016 – May 2019
At Orion Worldwide, a division of Interpublic Group. Boris held progressive leadership roles overseeing client strategy, ecommerce, marketing and communications, business development, and cross-functional initiatives spanning investments, finance, legal, and learning and development.
Partner, Head of Marketing & Operations — Grassroots Restaurant Group
September 2014 – March 2016
Boris partnered in the leadership of Grassroots Restaurant Group, overseeing marketing and operational strategy for multiple award-winning restaurants and Prairie Feast, Western Canada’s largest culinary festival, led by acclaimed chef Dale Mackay.
Freelance Marketing Strategist — Mad Love Industries
March 2011 – March 2016
Through Mad Love Industries, Boris provided strategic marketing, brand development, communications, and campaign support for a diverse portfolio of clients across automotive, hospitality, real estate, technology, and consumer brands.
Director of Marketing & Sales — StyleDemocracy
September 2013 – September 2014
Boris led the company’s rebrand, website relaunch, content strategy, and sales growth, working with leading fashion and lifestyle brands across digital and print platforms.
Director of Marketing & Sales — Mayfair Clubs
January 2013 – September 2013
He oversaw all marketing, communications, sponsorships, events, and business development initiatives for one of Canada’s premier private fitness clubs.
Director of Digital & Social Media Strategy — Whatswhat Inc.
June 2012 – January 2013
Boris supported go-to-market strategy, media planning, product development, and community engagement for a Toronto-based mobile technology startup operating across multiple North American cities.
Marketing Director — Intact
Marketing & Design Specialist — Manulife
September 2005 – June 2012
Across multiple terms, Boris led comprehensive marketing programs spanning print, digital, social, OOH, and national franchise initiatives, supporting major commercial and retail clients.
Artist Management & Development — Makeout Point Records & Productions
August 2001 – August 2005
Early in his career, Boris operated an independent record label and production company, supporting artist development, touring, events, merchandise, and music journalism through an online publication.
Other Projects
Event Organizer & Curator — Sex’d: Show Your Love Art Exhibition
Sleeping Giant Gallery, Toronto, ON | February 13, 2010
Conceived, curated, and produced a Valentine’s Day–themed multidisciplinary art exhibition exploring intimacy, expression, and contemporary urban culture. The exhibition brought together emerging and established mixed-media visual artists and live musicians from across Ontario, transforming the Sleeping Giant Gallery into an immersive cultural experience that blended visual art, performance, and music.
The program featured live performances by Crazy Diamond, Rob Pasalic, and Lee Serviss, alongside a curated selection of mixed-media works by Jennifer Ilett, Vesna Asanovic, Mike Ellis, Hugo, Laura Harte, Mike Fan, Erin Ornstein, Trevor Henderson, Vivian Rosas, Sabrina Scott, and Simen Leung.
Responsible for end-to-end concept development, artist selection, stakeholder coordination, programming, and event execution, successfully fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and community engagement within Toronto’s independent arts scene.
Event Organizer & Curator — H’ART Attack! Art Exhibition
Sleeping Giant Gallery, Toronto, ON | October 2009
Conceived, curated, and produced H’ART Attack!, a week-long multidisciplinary art exhibition showcasing leading contemporary photographers and mixed-media artists from Toronto and Montreal. The exhibition was designed as a high-energy cultural intervention, celebrating bold visual storytelling and cross-city creative dialogue within Canada’s independent arts community.
Featured artists included Gordon Ball, Jess Baumung, Vanessa Heins, Harry Gils, Joel Lee, Darryl Graham, and Cody James Finney. Presented in partnership with and sponsored by Sleeping Giant Gallery and Boris Biere, the exhibition transformed the gallery into a dynamic platform for emerging and established voices in contemporary visual culture.
Led all aspects of creative direction and execution, including exhibition branding, artist curation, stakeholder coordination, promotional strategy, and on-site production. The exhibit launched on October 16, 2009, and ran for a full week at the Sleeping Giant Gallery (789 Dundas Street West), successfully attracting audiences from Toronto’s art, music, and creative communities.
Program Partner & Event Facilitator — Humber College BoCA x AdInterns.com Virtual Portfolio Show
Humber College, Toronto, ON
Partnered with Humber College’s Bachelor of Creative Advertising (BoCA) program and AdInterns.com to support and deliver the program’s first-ever virtual portfolio show, designed to bridge emerging creative talent with Canada’s advertising and marketing industry.
Collaborated with the BoCA committee to conceptualize and launch a dedicated digital platform showcasing student portfolios across art direction, copywriting, and account/strategy disciplines. The experience enabled invited industry leaders, recruiters, and hiring managers to explore student work, engage in meaningful dialogue, and schedule one-on-one conversations to learn more about participants’ skills, aspirations, and career goals.
Supported program strategy, industry outreach, and event facilitation, helping to create an accessible, future-forward recruitment and networking model that expanded industry exposure for students while strengthening connections between academia and the professional creative community.
Co-Host & Program Facilitator — Stay Connected Webinar Series
Presented by Cytrine Consultancy
Co-hosted Stay Connected, a virtual conversation series founded by Cytrine Consultancy’s founder, Cynthia Rubino, designed to foster connection, dialogue, and professional well-being during periods of uncertainty and disruption.
The series convened industry peers across marketing, communications, and creative disciplines for thoughtful, moderated discussions centered on resilience, mental well-being, leadership, and navigating change. Through curated conversations and live engagement, Stay Connected created a safe, inclusive space for reflection, shared learning, and community support at a time when traditional professional networks were fragmented.
Contributed to program facilitation, speaker engagement, and live discussion management, helping to build a consistent, human-centered forum that strengthened professional relationships and reinforced the value of empathy-led leadership in the workplace.
Moderator — Fashion Forward: Fashion in the Digital World Conference
Presented by Fashion-Forward
Moderated Fashion Forward: Fashion in the Digital World, a conference presented by Toronto-based startup Fashion-Forward, convening innovators at the intersection of fashion, technology, and digital commerce.
The event featured an evening of curated networking, startup presentations, and moderated discussion, spotlighting emerging fashion-tech companies shaping the future of the industry. Panelists included Freedom Culture, Luevo, Fashion-Forward, Modreal, and Shop Society, each offering perspectives on digital platforms, e-commerce innovation, and the evolving relationship between fashion and technology.
Led panel moderation and audience Q&A, guiding thoughtful dialogue around innovation, entrepreneurship, and the digital transformation of fashion. The conference celebrated Canada’s growing fashion-tech ecosystem while fostering meaningful connections between founders, creators, and industry stakeholders.
Volunteering and Industry Leadership
National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS) Canada — Co-Chair, National Board of Directors
January 2025 – Present
Boris serves as Co-Chair of the National Board of Directors at NABS Canada, helping guide governance, strategy, and advocacy for the well-being of professionals across Canada’s advertising, media, and marketing industry. His leadership supports NABS’ mission to ensure no industry member is left behind, financially, mentally, or emotionally.
National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS) Canada — Board Leadership Roles
Prior to becoming Co-Chair, Boris held multiple leadership roles within the NABS board of directors, including Chair of Media and Chair of the Central Advisory Committee, contributing to programming, industry partnerships, and national outreach initiatives.
AdClub of Toronto — Board Member
Boris served on the Board of Directors of the AdClub of Toronto, where he held leadership positions as Chair of Student Engagement and Chair of Digital Day. In these roles, he supported mentorship, education, and professional development for emerging talent while helping shape one of Canada’s leading digital marketing conferences.
Broadcast Research Council of Canada — President, Board of Directors
As President of the Broadcast Research Council of Canada, Boris led efforts related to industry research standards, audience measurement, and governance, contributing to the advancement of media research and accountability across the Canadian broadcast ecosystem.
POV Magazine — Board Member
Boris served on the board of POV Magazine, supporting Canadian documentary storytelling, independent journalism, and cultural dialogue.
Effie Awards Canada — Jury Member
2020 – 2022
Boris has served as a jury member for the Effie Awards, evaluating excellence in marketing effectiveness and strategic impact.
D&AD Awards — Global Jury Member
2021 – 2022
Boris was selected as a Global Jury Member for the D&AD Awards, contributing to the evaluation of world-class creative and media excellence alongside international industry leaders.
Training and Certifications
Marketing, Media, Advertising
George Brown College, 2011-2014
Certified Art Therapy Practitioner
Boris is a Certified Art Therapy Practitioner, having completed formal training focused on the intersection of psychology, creativity, emotional expression, and healing. This work reflects his lifelong interest in therapy, mindfulness, art, and the human experience, and informs both his professional leadership and personal creative practice.
Consultative Selling Certifications
Completed professional training in consultative selling, focused on communications, relationship-based sales, strategic problem solving, value-driven client engagement, standing and delivering presentations, and winning and growing business. Boris completed training with Mirren, Own The Room, WPP, IPG, Dentsu, and Barry Inc.,
Programmatic Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) Certification, Broadsign
Completed training in programmatic DOOH media, including strategy, execution, media planning, buying, and execution across premium digital inventory environments, and emerging technologies within the digital out-of-home ecosystem.
Skills & Expertise
Strategy, Business & Technology
Strategic Planning
Business Growth
Commercial Acumen
Client Strategy
Pitch Development
RFP and Proposal Development
Senior Stakeholder Leadership
Marketing & Advertising Strategy
Digital & Paid Media Expertise
Measurement & Optimization
Communications Planning
Brand Development
New Business & Growth Strategy
Partnerships & Relationships
Tools, Tech & Digital Proficiency
Emerging Media & Tech Trends
Creative, Leadership & Human Insight
Leadership & Team Management
Mentoring & Coaching
Storytelling & Communications
Narrative Design
Creative & Brand Strategy
Creative Problem Solving
Learning & Development
Presentations & Facilitation
Psychology & Human Behaviour
Photography and Art Direction
Past Clients
Coca-Cola
Baskin Robbins
Fitbit
Victoria’s Secret
Dr. Oetker
Six Flags/La Ronde
Corby’s Spirits & Wine
ABInBev
Hershey’s
McCain Foods
Tim Hortons
Sleep Country Canada
McCormick
Informa Canada
Nestle
Church + Dwight
John Deere
Kind Snacks
Kruger Products
Aldo Group
Telus
World Health Organization
Puma
Fred Perry
La Senza
Daniel Wellington
Prairie Feast Festival
Chef Dale Mackay
