Maple Ridge woman named executive director of 5X Fest society.

Neesha Hothi of Maple Ridge has been appointed executive director of the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society, the organization behind 5X Fest, and brings more than 20 years promoting South Asian arts and culture in Canada.

Neesha Hothi of Maple Ridge has been appointed executive director of the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society, the parent organization of 5X Fest. She is described as a leading voice in cultural strategy, arts advocacy, and entertainment brand storytelling. Hothi has more than 20 years of experience advancing South Asian arts, music, and cultural representation in British Columbia and across Canada. She has worked with 5X since its early days as a communications and PR consultant. Key details: - Neesha Hothi has been named executive director of the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society (VIBC), which runs 5X Fest. - The board said her longstanding relationship with the community and strategic leadership make her suited to lead the organization through its next chapter. - Hothi is founder and CEO of Neesh Communications and has worked across entertainment, non-profit, and consumer sectors with a focus on South Asian creative industries. - The annual 5X Fest provides a stage for emerging Punjabi artists and connects businesses and brands with Punjabi audiences in Metro Vancouver. - Hothi served as marketing director for the 2025 JUNO host committee and helped program Punjabi-Canadian artist Jazzy B to perform on the live JUNO Awards broadcast. Summary: Her appointment is presented as part of ongoing efforts to uplift and amplify South Asian creatives and cultural representation within Canadian arts spaces. Undetermined at this time.