Salon Communications Acquired by Colin Sutherland, Publisher of Modern Salon, Salon Today, and Leading North American Beauty Media Brands
Sutherland's mission is to evolve B2B media for every generation through powerful storytelling, creative execution, immersive activations, education, and support for the industry.
by Staff
January 13, 2026
3 min to read
Tom Arkell, CEO and publisher of Salon Magazine and producer of Canada’s premier beauty industry awards program, The Contessas, has announced the sale of Salon Communications to Canadian media executive Colin Sutherland.
“I could not imagine a better steward for Salon Magazine and The Contessas than Colin Sutherland,” says Arkell. “His passion for the beauty industry—combined with his deep experience in media, marketing, and technology—positions him to elevate Canadian creators in meaningful ways. Colin understands the heart of this industry, and I’m excited to work alongside him as Salon Communications enters this next chapter.”
“As a Canadian and a long-time supporter of the beauty industry—from brands to professionals in the salon, from established business owners to tomorrow’s emerging entrepreneurs—I am deeply committed to sharing, inspiring, and helping the Canadian industry navigate a strong path forward. Growth and evolution come from people and partnerships,” says Sutherland. “The Salon Magazine and Contessa teams are incredibly inspiring to me. I look forward to supporting Tom and the Salon Communications team, our valued readers, our social media community, and past and present Contessa nominees and award winners. I am fully committed to supporting and growing our Canadian creators and highlighting a Canadian beauty industry that is truly world-class.
“Salon Magazine and The Contessas will continue to represent Canada first," Sutherland adds. "We will share our Canadian stories nationally and internationally—across print, streaming, social media, and through the annual celebration of excellence at The Contessas.
“To our loyal brand partners: thank you. Your support of Salon Magazine, our digital platforms, and the Contessa Awards has been essential. We look forward to a new year filled with new activations, new opportunities, and even stronger connections.”
About Colin Sutherland Colin Sutherland began his career in business-to-business marketing in 1990, becoming a trusted consultant within his family’s marketing agency. In 2001, he co-founded a technology company in Oakville, Ontario, which grew to become the largest of its kind globally, building a thriving partner ecosystem and helping customers unlock business value from data.
In 2024, Colin returned to his publishing and marketing roots by acquiring BBM Business Media, a California-based publisher—including Modern Salon, Salon Today, Nails, Barbering Today, Salon 200 Awards, Modern Salon Boot Camp, Modern Salon 100 Awards, and Artist Connective. In the same year, he opened a film studio and produced an unscripted reality series highlighting how social media storytelling is reshaping the role of influencers and elevating creators.
Colin’s mission is to evolve B2B media for every generation through powerful storytelling, creative execution, immersive activations, education, and support for the industry.
Ad Loading...
Media Contacts Veronica Boodhan, Editorial Director, Salon Magazine — The Contessas veronica@salonmagazine.ca
416-869-3131 ext. 102
Anne Moratto, Director of Brand Content Strategy, Modern Salon, Nails, Modern Salon Boot Camp anne.moratto@bobit.com
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International.
On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Entries are now open for the industry's most prestigious creative competition, marking the return of Nail
Professional of the Year while celebrating the artistry that defines professional beauty.
Known for creating manicures worn by some of Hollywood's biggest stars, Ganzorigt incorporates this strengthening treatment into every service as the final step before clients leave the salon.
Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey.