Digital Journal Chief Executive Officer, Chris Hogg, has been named a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. A journalist and entrepreneur, Hogg is being recognized for significant achievement and remarkable service to Canada.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The medal also serves to recognize Canadians from all walks of life who have made significant contributions to Canada or whose achievements abroad have brought credit to Canada.
“Over the past 60 years, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has served our country with distinction and dedication and continues to show Canada her generosity and affection,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper in a press release during the inaugural presentation of the Diamond Jubilee Medal. “These medals honour those Canadians who follow the fine tradition of service so exemplified by Her Majesty.”
In Ontario, other recipients of the Diamond Jubilee Medal include journalists Peter Mansbridge and Lloyd Robertson, retired major-general Lewis MacKenzie, singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, ballet dancers Karen Kain and Rex Harrington and author Austin Clarke, among others.
Hogg, 30, will receive the Diamond Jubilee Medal at a formal presentation gala at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall in February.
“I am truly thankful and it’s very moving to be honoured in this way,” said Hogg. “But this medal doesn’t belong to me alone. I’ve worked to create an environment where technology, digital media and journalism can thrive. Ecosystems flourish and grow because they are collaborative spaces, and I have been fortunate to have the support and participation from a network of talented people. I share this distinction with my colleagues and other Canadians who have played a role in the growth of Digital Journal.”
Hogg is an entrepreneur who has worked in publishing, digital media, broadcasting, advertising, social media and marketing. Hogg is recognized as both a pioneer and innovator in digital media and has consulted for and played a role in many of Canada’s media organizations.
In addition to his experience in media, Hogg has also worked as consultant and entrepreneurial advisor, providing leadership, mentoring and advice to early-stage entrepreneurs across Canada.
With a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Ryerson University, Hogg began his career in media with Digital Journal magazine when he joined as a freelance journalist. He quickly climbed the editorial ranks and at 21 he was named Editor-in-Chief, making him one of the youngest editors in Canada to lead a national publication.
Dubbed a media “wunderkind” by Masthead magazine, Hogg grew Digital Journal magazine to international scale and distribution and he spearheaded the company’s full transition to a digital news network.
Today, Digital Journal has grown from its humble beginnings as a Toronto-based magazine into a global network of thousands of content creators in 200 countries reaching an audience of millions. Digital Journal also works with media organizations undergoing the transition to digital, and the company provides content marketing, social media and technology services.
Hogg is the recipient of several awards both in media and as an entrepreneur. In June 2012, he was recognized among the best-of-the-best of Canadian entrepreneurship and Digital Journal was named among the Top 20 most promising startups in Canada by the C100; and in December, the company was called one of Canada’s hottest startups of the year.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is administered by The Chancellery of Honours, which is part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General.
