MEET OUR 2025 SPEAKERS
IOANA ARNAUTU
MARSH CANADA
Senior Vice President,
Trade Credit Practice Leader
Ioana Arnautu is the Trade Credit Practice Leader for Marsh Canada and the Growth Leader for Credit Specialties in Canada. Since joining Marsh in 2016, she has leveraged her expertise in trade credit insurance, honed during her past years as a commercial underwriter at a global trade credit insurance company. With a deep understanding of the complexities of trade credit insurance, Ioana is dedicated to identifying and addressing the unique risks faced by businesses in this area. She focuses on developing innovative marketing strategies that highlight the value of trade credit solutions, helping clients navigate their financial exposures and enhance their growth potential. Ioana ensures that clients receive tailored services and products that align with their specific needs and business objectives.
Ioana joined Marsh in 2016 following 3 years as a commercial underwriter at a global trade credit insurance company.
Ioana started her carrier working in accounting/finance with two Montreal based organizations. She joined the insurance industry as an account manager and commercial underwriter for Atradius Canada. In these roles, she gained a wide range of underwriting, business, risk control and account management experience, by performing various operational reviews and analysis.
WISH BAKSHI
Founder, Energy & AI Consultant
Wish is an AI Systems Engineer and Founder specializing in the deployment of artificial intelligence at scale. His work focuses on building autonomous systems that drive real-time decision-making, particularly in high-stakes environments like commodities trading and energy asset optimization. Wish has led the design of intelligent trading agents for North American markets and developed AI platforms that optimize operations for large-scale energy enterprises. He teaches applied machine learning and AI systems design through executive education at Queen’s University and the University of Calgary. A thought leader in the AI space, Wish publishes weekly on LinkedIn, exploring the intersection of deep learning, decision intelligence, and the evolving energy economy.
JORDAN BEALLOR, CPA, CA
Board Member and Past-President, FEI Canada Toronto Chapter
With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in executive search, assurance and consulting, Jordan is dedicated to helping both businesses and individuals reach their full potential and is deeply committed to driving excellence within the financial and business communities. His diverse background and dedication to helping organizations and individuals succeed make him a trusted advisor for those seeking to achieve their business and personal goals.
Jordan spent over a decade providing assurance and advisory services within Arthur Andersen’s financial services practice working closely with senior executives and boards, advising on critical decisions and helping organizations navigate complex financial and operational landscapes. That foundation, deep industry knowledge and trusted relationships, laid the foundation for his subsequent success in executive search.
In his 15 years in executive search, Jordan has partnered with organizations ranging from large public companies to mid-sized private and growth businesses. His focus has been on building leadership teams, ensuring his clients secure the best talent to drive sustainable success. Whether identifying current or future leaders, Jordan’s ability to connect people with the right opportunities has been instrumental in helping businesses grow and thrive.
Beyond his professional work, Jordan is deeply engaged in his community. He serves on the Development Committee at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and has been a member of the McMichael Foundation’s Board of Directors. As a current Board Member and Past-President of FEI Canada Toronto Chapter, he continues to make a meaningful impact, advocating for the financial and executive leadership community. A passionate connector, adventurer, and art enthusiast, Jordan is also a world traveler who embraces new experiences and cultures.
JONATHAN BRINDLEY CPA, CA
CAPITALLY FINANCE CORP.
CEO
Jonathan Brindley is the CEO and founder of Capitally Finance Corp. and has a passion for seeing businesses succeed. Jonathan has been a CA and finance leader for over 25 years delivering results across multiple industry segments from small and mid-sized private entities to large multinational / public companies.
From their offices in Ontario and Alberta, the Capitally team work with small to mid-sized companies that have the capacity to grow but are limited because they don’t have sufficient working capital. Capitally is a Financial Ally to many small and mid-sized business across Canada, providing growth capital through the funding of accounts receivable and supplier payments with a flexible customer orientated business model.
As a seasoned operational finance professional, who has worked in both Canada and the UK, Jonathan offers his clients a level of experience that is broad based and multi-disciplined with an in depth understanding of corporate finance, revenue forecasting and delivering improved business returns.
JAY BRYSON
WELLS FARGO
Managing Director and Chief Economist
Jay Bryson is a managing director and the Chief Economist for Wells Fargo Corporate and Investment Banking, a position he has held since August 2018. In this role, Jay leads the Economics Group, which provides analysis on economic and financial developments in the major economies of the world as well as forecasts of macroeconomic variables in these economies. He was Wells Fargo’s Global Economist between 1998 and 2018.
Before joining Wells Fargo in 1998, Jay was an economist in the Division of International Finance at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, DC. He started his career as an assistant professor of economics at the University of Alabama. Jay has also lectured on international economics and macroeconomics at the School for Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University and Georgetown University. He has published in academic and popular economic journals, and his comments on the economy regularly appear in The Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and USA Today. He makes frequent appearances on CNBC and Bloomberg TV.
Jay is a member of the American Economic Association and the Charlotte Economics Club. He is also a member of the National Association for Business Economics and served on its board of directors from 2010 to 2013. Jay received his BA and Ph.D. degrees in economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
ANDY BURT
JADON OUTDOORS & CHOPVALUE
Andy Burt is President of Jadon Outdoors and a Strategic Growth Partner at ChopValue. With a strong background in entrepreneurship and sustainable business development, Andy is passionate about driving innovation in outdoor lifestyle products and circular economy solutions. His leadership spans strategic growth, brand development, and creating lasting environmental impact.
ALBERTO CALVA
ACUS CONSULTING
Managing Director and Principal Consultant
Alberto Calva is managing director and principal consultant of Acus Consulting. His expertise fields are corporate finance, strategy and economics. Some typical projects as a consultant are business valuation of going concern companies, investment project evaluation, project finance (PPP, P3), financial and strategic analysis of companies, profitability analysis, measurement of the economic value added, cost analysis, financial modeling, financial planning.
A large part of his professional activity is in executive education in topics related with corporate finance and economics. He has trained in 8 different countries for close to 10,000 executives and entrepreneurs from more than 20 different countries in the last 30 years.
Alberto Calva has been on the board of several companies and organizations.
Alberto holds a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering, a Master of Economics, and an MBA with a major in Finance. He has been a part time professor in two graduate business schools for 30+ years. He wrote and published a book of finance for businesspeople in 1996 and he has written more than 500 articles on finance, economics and business. His working languages are English and Spanish; he speaks basic French. Alberto lives in the Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada.
ALYSIA CARTER
FEI CANADA
Chair of the Board
Alysia, as a strategic thinker with exceptionally high energy, inspires all those around her. She supports the organizations she works with to ensure people fully develop to their potential and beyond. It has been said that Alysia is an excellent mentor and coach. As a result, Alysia has had significant success motivating teams and bringing people together to get the desired results.
Alysia’s business experience spans more than 25 years in various industries: construction and service; automotive; financial institutions; distribution; and food manufacturing. The last 16 years have been spent in construction and trade services where she transformed how the business operated by understanding and working directly with front line personnel. Alysia is enthusiastic about trade services as she wants to ensure clients maintain their uptime.
While her experience is based in finance, her functional areas of expertise include long range strategic planning, transformational change, business acquisitions and divestitures, integration, accounting and information technology.
In December of 2020 Alysia completed the acquisition of Reliable Mechanical Services Inc. based in Bolton Ontario servicing the Greater Toronto Area for HVAC needs. Since then, the company has expanded the number of technicians and expanded into plumbing.
Alysia has used her considerable teaching skills as an instructor at her alma mater, the University of Toronto, providing financial and business management training sessions for internal staff of the business organizations in which she’s been engaged. A strong team player, Alysia has unbridled enthusiasm about transferring her knowledge and experience to others, and energetically supporting their professional and personal development. Her passion is contagious as she shows them what is possible.
“I have met many people networking the past several years, and Alysia is one that truly stands out above the rest. Those who have worked for her have expressed to me that her visionary leadership and collaborative approach in managing projects and operations not only gains their respect, admiration and appreciation but also contributes to an efficient and productive workplace. Personally, I have never met anyone with the positive energy that Alysia possesses and who is so capable in bringing people together, assessing a situation and then implementing a solution.” Gil Darnley, CPA, CMA, PMP, BA
She is a board member and Chair of Financial Executives International (FEI) at the National Board level, on the Finance and Audit Committee of FEI, on the Executive Committee of FEI, a mentor in the CPA Canada program, a past Board member and President of Financial Executives International at the Toronto level and a past Co-Chair of the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto Gala fundraiser.
Alysia was born and raised in the Greater Toronto area. She enjoys spending time with her husband at their cottage with their two grown children and their partners.
DEBBY CARREAU
STS CAPITAL PARTNERS
CEO
Debby Carreau is the CEO of STS Capital Partners and a recognized leader in human capital and strategic business growth. With over two decades of experience advising CEOs, boards, and investors, Debby specializes in helping business owners build value and prepare for successful exits. She is also a trusted media contributor and has been featured in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and The Wall Street Journal.
MICHELLE CAUSTON
Communication and Education Specialist
Michelle Causton is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) and a holder of an MBA from Laurentian University. She is a multifaceted individual whose professional journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a profound commitment to fostering growth and development in others. With a dynamic presence as a public speaker and educator, Michelle has left an indelible mark on the worlds of accounting, education, and professional development.
Michelle volunteered for her professional organization for many years culminating in a term as president of CGA Ontario. There she played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction and advocating for the interests of its members.
As a professor, she inspired her students to strive for excellence and pursue their goals with vigor and determination. Her contributions were recognized with an award for excellence in teaching and to the prestigious Lorna Harrison Mentorship Award from CGA Ontario.
A firm believer in the power of communication and ethical leadership, Michelle has dedicated herself to promoting these values throughout her career. Whether through her captivating speeches, insightful writings, or engaging online content, she strives to instill a sense of integrity and purpose in all those she encounters.
With a wealth of experience in public accounting, teaching, volunteering, and training, Michelle Causton continues to inspire, with humour and warmth.
MICHAEL ‘PINBALL’ CLEMONS
TORONTO ARGONAUTS
General Manager • Canadian Football Hall-of-Famer
Few people exemplify the qualities of personal excellence, teamwork, community leadership,and overcoming the odds better than CFL legend Michael “Pinball” Clemons. With boundless energy, Clemon’s talks centre on the potential for each of us to achieve anything we set our minds to. Unabashedly emotional and impactful, he shows audiences how to put heart into everything they do.
Clemons joined the National Football League in 1987, and CFL’s Toronto Argonauts in 1989. He was nicknamed “Pinball” because of his running style — his diminutive size and extraordinary balance allowed him to “bounce” between defensive players, drawing comparisons to a pinball machine.
Clemons won the Grey Cup in 1991, 1996, and 1997 with the Argonauts, and was honoured
with the CFL’s “most outstanding player” award in 1990, after setting the single-season record for all-purpose yards. He played his last game as an Argonaut in 2000, before becoming head coach of the team in the same year. He led the football club to six consecutive East Division Finals, including the 2004 championship, concluding his coaching tenure with 68 wins — the second highest in the team history.
In 2007, Clemons stepped down as head coach to become the chief executive officer, and in 2009, he was appointed as the vice-chair of the team. In 2019, Clemons was named the 20th general manager of the Toronto Argonauts.
Clemons is also the founder of the Pinball Clemons Foundation, a non-profit organization that empowers youth through education. Since it’s founding in 2007, it’s been responsible for the
construction of a hospital in Uganda, over 200 schools in developing countries, two orphanages in Haiti, and locally awarded more than 200 scholarships.
In recognition of his work, Clemons received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Meritorious Service Cross, and is a member of the Order of Ontario. He has also been inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.
NIALL COTTER, CPA
CLARITY INC.
CEO & Founder
Niall Cotter is the CEO and Founder of Claricy Inc., a fractional CFO practice dedicated to helping technology and professional services firms achieve financial clarity, optimize cash flow, and scale profitably.
With more than 30 years of financial leadership experience—including 10 years as CFO in high-growth and private-equity-backed organizations—Niall brings deep expertise in strategic financial planning, investor readiness, and financial systems optimization.
Prior to founding Claricy, Niall served as CFO at Kingsdale Advisors and WeShall Investments, providing senior financial leadership in professional services and private equity environments. He also held senior finance roles at SAP, specializing in financial transformation, process optimization, and scalable financial strategies. Niall is particularly passionate about guiding small and mid-sized businesses through growth phases, profitability challenges, and investor engagements.
As an active member of FEI Canada’s Fractional CFO Committee, Niall contributes insights and thought leadership on strategic finance, fractional CFO services, and leveraging flexible CFO expertise to achieve ambitious business goals.
PAUL DRAGOS
MARSH CANADA
Vice President, Client Executive
Paul is a Vice President, Client Executive for the National Construction and Surety Practice, a team of more than 50 dedicated professionals. In this role, Paul works alongside a group of senior construction leaders with an acute focus on all things Construction, as well as Commercial Surety. Our team represents asset owners, developers, designers, supply chain businesses, financial institutions, network and internet service providers, constructors and operators. Paul also engages with some of the largest surety and insurance clients in Marsh Canada’s Construction Practice, in addition to advising corporations in diverse industries requiring performance and financial security solutions.
CHUCK FARMER
IESO
Chief Energy Transition Officer and Vice-President of Planning, Conservation & Resource Adequacy
Mr. Farmer leads the planning of Ontario’s electricity system to ensure it is reliable, resilient and cost-efficient in the years ahead.
This includes assessing the future adequacy of Ontario’s electricity supply and the transmission system, identifying system needs, and securing the resources needed to meet system needs, including through the advancement of conservation efforts.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Farmer has held a variety of senior roles at the IESO and Ontario Power Authority in the areas of Power System Planning, Conservation, and Corporate Relations. His career began with Union Gas where he focused on the residential and commercial markets, and was Director for Market Knowledge and Demand Side Management.
Mr. Farmer is a graduate of the Richard Ivey School of Business at The University of
Western Ontario
PAUL FLETCHER
DELOITTE CANADA
Partner
Paul is a senior executive qualified as a CPA in three countries and recognized as a Fellow CPA in Canada, with over 25 years of global experience in public accounting serving Boards of Directors, management teams, governments and regulators.
Paul’s global experience includes providing the highest quality of service to clients in the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific with multinational operations. He has served as lead client service partner on some of the firms most complex clients in Canada and United Kingdom in the following sectors: financial services, technology media and telecom; consumer, and hospitality.
Paul’s direct client experience includes leading over 40 initial public and secondary offerings on three continents with listings on the NASDAQ, NYSE, LSE and the TSX. Serving clients globally enabled Paul to build a strong and resilient network to provide strategic advice and lead Deloitte teams supporting global infrastructure projects including the Vancouver and London Olympic Games (2010 and 2012).
Paul has served as a member of the Deloitte Executive (Canada and the UK) and Managing Partner of British Columbia; Practice Senior Partner (London, UK) managing the UK Private Equity and Mid Cap client portfolio; and leading our Deloitte Global Chief Financial Officer Program in two countries.
Passionate about serving the global interests of clients by ensuring the highest quality of service and response, whenever and wherever needed.
ARNAUD FRANCO
BDC
Director • Economic Research
Arnaud Franco was appointed Director of Economic Research at BDC in January 2024.
He leads a team of brilliant economists, tasked with providing real and actionable insights to Canadian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, he keeps senior leaders informed about critical developments in the economic landscape.
Mr. Franco has nearly 20 years of analytical experience and a decade of management and leadership training. He is also a seasoned public speaker, having presented at numerous global conferences.
PETER FREEMAN
ATKINSREALIS
Vice President of Project Development
As Vice President of Project Delivery, Peter Freeman oversees all project delivery operations under the Technical Professional Organization. This role involves managing project resources, execution processes, and standards across numerous mega-projects in alignment with a 2025–2027 strategic goal of “Delivering Excellence, Driving Growth”. Candu Energy is going through an extended period of growth and expansion, adding over 750 new employees last year, and forming the largest component of an AtkinsRéalis nuclear sector with a backlog now over CAD $5b.
Peter is dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation in project delivery. He plays a crucial role in coordinating between various departments to ensure seamless project execution. His leadership and expertise are pivotal in driving the success of Candu Energy’s projects and maintaining the company’s reputation for excellence in the industry.
Peter is active across the AtkinsRéalis Nuclear Sector looking at a range of projects, is a member of the Steering Committees overseeing the company’s joint ventures at the CanAtom and Shoreline projects and serves as ED&I Ontario Chair.
Before joining Candu Energy Inc., Peter held various project and operational positions in the manufacturing sector.
Peter holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Science & Business from the University of Waterloo.
MARK FREY
CORPAY
Group President • Cross-Border Solutions
As President of Corpay Cross-Border Solutions, Mark has played a key role in growing the Corpay Cross-Border business and firmly establishing the company as a market leader in areas of cross-border payments and currency risk management over the course of the last 10+ years.
A proven leader with over 20 years’ experience in trading and treasury operations,
Mark is responsible for leading all aspects of operations, risk management, dealing, and finance, and has been instrumental in driving the organizations revenue and EBITDA growth,
leading up to the successful acquisition by Corpay, Inc. (formerly FLEETCOR). He is well known in the industry and frequently provides insight to financial and business industry news services such as The Globe & Mail, BNN, Reuters and the Wall Street Journal.
KEVIN GALLOWAY
imPROvise
Founder
As an Actor, Writer, Director, Educator, and Professional Presenter Kevin Galloway uses his creative background to inspire and empower others to create and deliver unique, engaging, and compelling presentations. He is passionate about telling great stories and approaching presentations and events as if they were performances and productions. As the Founder of imPROvise he became a thought leader in using acting, improv, and storytelling techniques to improve presentation and communication skills. Kevin joined Oracle in April of 2015 after having worked with Oracle as a supplier for 10 years. He is now the Principal Communications Advisor for Oracle NetSuite focusing on Storytelling and Communication Skills.
A proven leader with over 20 years’ experience in trading and treasury operations, Mark is responsible for leading all aspects of operations, risk management, dealing, and finance, and has been instrumental in driving the organizations revenue and EBITDA growth, leading up to the successful acquisition by Corpay, Inc. (formerly FLEETCOR). He is well known in the industry and frequently provides insight to financial and business industry news services such as The Globe & Mail, BNN, Reuters and the Wall Street Journal.
STEVEN GLOVER FCPA, FCA
GENERAL LAND DEVELOPMENT CORP.
Director
Steven has served in varied executive roles over his 50 year career as a Chartered Professional Accountant/Chartered Accountant. These include the role of Chief Financial Officer for several Calgary based junior oil and gas companies from 2005 to 2018, He served in executive roles with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta from 1979 to 2005, including 22 years as Executive Director.
His past board and governance experience includes chairing the Audit Committees for the Edmonton Community Foundation, the Caritas Health Group, Travel Alberta, and Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada. He served for several years on CPA Canada’s Corporate Performance Reporting Board as well as other CPA Canada bodies focused on providing information, guidance and education opportunities for professional accountants.
Steven is a Fellow of the Alberta Chartered Professional Accountants and has also received the profession’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He holds a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from the University of Alberta.
Steven’s current community service is as Director, Treasurer, and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Investment Committee of the Banff Canmore Foundation. His professional service includes roles with Alberta Securities Commission, Canadian Foundation for Governance Research and Financial Executives International (Canada) He is a currently Lead Director and Chair of the Audit Committee of Genesis Land Development Corp., a TSX listed company.
SHAMIL HARGOVAN
STS CAPITAL PARTNERS
Managing Director
Shamil Hargovan is an entrepreneur, CEO, brand leader who has experience building award-winning products and services, consumer devices, B2B platforms, and applications that have generated over $4B in direct revenues. Hargovan leads sell-side M&A deals supporting business owners and founders on their strategic exit. In addition, Shamil co-chairs the firm’s Success to Significance™ pillar around social impact and legacy potential, including serving as CEO of the firm’s affiliated foundation, Altruvest Charitable Services, a global not-for-profit organization that provides training and tools to improve the performance of community-based charities so they can give more to their causes.
Shamil co-founded Wiivv Wearables, which as CEO, he grew over 68x between 2016 and 2019, to become the largest supplier of custom 3D printed footwear worldwide. He drove an award-winning ecommerce experience and led commercial partnerships with international governments and sports, athleisure, and wellness brands, including Dr. Scholl’s and Lululemon. Wiivv pioneered state-of-the-art digital manufacturing in the U.S. and Canada, based of measurements captured from a smartphone or retail scanner. In 2020, Shamil exited his stake to a private strategic capital group.
Mr. Hargovan spent several years at HP Inc., including on an executive team defining the company’s additive manufacturing strategy, which ultimately led to the formation of its 3D printing business unit. He also managed several highly profitable consumer and SMB product lines, while directing major cross-functional customer experience and business transformation initiatives across the $60B printing and personal systems global business. Prior to HP, Shamil was a management consultant at Clarkston Consulting, serving clients in the consumer products, life sciences, and retail industries. Hargovan started his career at SRI International (formerly Stanford Research Institute) in their new ventures team, where he worked on a multimedia video startup and cashed out in 2010.
Hargovan is a featured speaker and thought leader in the areas of industry 4.0, blended physical-digital experiences, augmented reality, and the future of retail and ecommerce. In 2016, Shamil was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Manufacturing and Industry – and again in 2017 to the Forbes 30 Under 30 All-Star alumni list. He has also been featured as one of Inc Magazine’s “50 Emerging Global Entrepreneurs to Watch”.
Shamil holds a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Claremont McKenna College. His volunteering includes serving on non-profit boards and community work, which has been recognized by Rotary International with dual Paul Harris Fellowships for his contributions to international service. He has lived in North America, Africa, and Australia – serving in organizations ranging from 2 to over 200,000 people.
PAUL L. HART, MBA, CPA, CA, CDir
HART VENTURES INC.
As CEO, CFO, Board Director, Investor and Entrepreneur, Paul brings many years of Board and C-level corporate experience to corporate finance, M+A, IPO, turnaround and debt and equity fund-raising in Canada, the United States and Europe. Beginning with a career as a Chartered Accountant with PwC, Paul held senior management positions as a Commercial Banker with Bank of Montreal, a Venture Capitalist with a boutique firm in Toronto and Treasurer for a mid-sized P+C Insurance Company. He has held senior positions with public (TSX, TSX-V, Nasdaq and CSE), private and non-profit organizations in the technology sector, including healthcare, digital media, renewable energy, genomics, e-commerce and payment processing industries as well as the medical cannabis and food sectors.
Paul has co-edited a book on Strategy, completed the course “Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy” at the MIT Sloan School of Management and is currently a Board member and Treasurer of the Greater Toronto Scout Foundation.
Paul currently provides short and long-term C-Suite services through his consulting Company, Hart Ventures Inc. and looks for AI opportunities to improve business and financial processes to increase enterprise value and attract capital.
MICHAEL JANTZI
INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY STANDARDS BOARD (ISSB)
Michael Jantzi was appointed as a member of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) in June 2022, effective 16 July 2022. He currently serves on a part-time basis.
He has 30 years’ experience in responsible investment and sustainable finance. He joined the ISSB from Morningstar, where he served as Managing Director of ESG Strategy. He is the founder and former CEO of Sustainalytics, an ESG research and ratings firm that grew to global market prominence under Michael’s leadership and was subsequently acquired by Morningstar in 2020.
In 1992, he founded Jantzi Research and led a multiple-company merger that formed Sustainalytics in 2009.
He has served on the Board of Directors of the Value Reporting Foundation and of the Principles for Responsible Investment. He has also served as a committee member of the Independent Review Committee on Standard Setting in Canada and as a board director of the MakeWay Foundation.
Mr Jantzi holds a Master of international relations from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada.
HOWARD KERBEL
FEI CANADA
Executive Director
With a robust career spanning financial services, digital start-ups, and the arts, Howard has demonstrated a strong ability for developing innovative business solutions in dynamic and demanding environments. Initially trained at a leading marketing firm, Howard progressed up the ranks in a variety of business settings building a wealth of experience that he later applied in entrepreneurial settings, including in his current role as CEO.
“I am excited to join FEI Canada and continue the vision of connecting and engaging CFO’s and senior financial executives across Canada. FEI Canada has a rich history in building a membership base of successful business leaders, providing networking events, delivering research, thought leadership, and providing formal submissions and guidance to regulatory bodies for over 75 years.
I look forward to working alongside everyone to leverage FEI’s tremendous foundation to build new opportunities to grow Membership, strengthen loyalty, and gain wider and impactful Brand visibility—all of which will also drive new corporate partnerships/revenue.”
A little history on Howard’s path to FEI Canada:
After completing an MBA from the University of Toronto in 1994, he started his career in financial services at American Express in the Establishment Services Group (ESG), where he honed skills in branding, direct marketing, advertising, and data analysis. Collaborated closely with the sales teams, he spearheaded numerous programs to boost merchant charge volumes.
After moving into the digital startup space, Howard returned to financial services spending five years at Dynamic Funds (part of Dundee Wealth) as VP of Marketing & Brand Management. He repositioned the Dynamic Brand to enhance awareness and influence assets under management (AUM) growth. I understand Dynamic still uses the “Invest with Advice” positioning he launched 20 years ago. Opportunities emerged to lead major marketing and advertising campaigns and enhance the sponsorship mandate, which included moving beyond sports into a more diverse offering broadening its appeal to advisors/clients.
Howard then decided to make a career change and moved into the arts, joining the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as Vice President of Marketing, Sales, Sponsorship, and New Business Development where he helped guide the transformation of TIFF’s 10-day event into a year-round brand with the opening of TIFF Bell Lightbox.
After six years at TIFF, he took on the challenge of restructuring the Toronto Jazz Festival with the core objective of attracting a younger audience and building corporate sponsorship. As many of you can attest, this involves a strategic overhaul and comprehensive management of P&L, sales, marketing, operations, and in a non-for-profit environment, fundraising. In a lean organization, this multifaceted role demanded an entrepreneurial mindset and rigorous discipline in driving organizational success.
SEDEF AKINLI KOCAK
VECTOR INSTITUTE
Director, AI Professional Development, Industry Innovation
Sedef Akinli Kocak is an AI strategy and business leader dedicated to advancing responsible and sustainable artificial intelligence across industries. With a unique blend of academic and industry experience, she helps organizations integrate ethical and impactful AI practices into their operations and strategy.
As Director of Professional Development at the Vector Institute, Sedef leads programs that equip professionals with the skills and knowledge to implement AI responsibly—balancing innovation with ethical, social, and environmental considerations. She also contributes strategic insight as an AI Advisor at Sibli, where she helps guide projects with a strong focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles.
In parallel, Sedef serves as an Adjunct Professor at Ontario Tech University, where she collaborates with the Trustworthy AI Lab to develop applied research and educational initiatives. Her work emphasizes the intersection of AI, ethics, and environmental sustainability—preparing the next generation of leaders to apply AI in ways that are both transformative and accountable.
Through her leadership, Sedef is shaping a future where AI is not only powerful, but principled.
MICHAEL KRAVSHIK, CPA, CA, HBA, MA
LUMIQ
Co-Founder and CEO
Michael Kravshik is the founder and CEO of LumiQ, a modern podcast platform that provides designated accountants with verified professional development through engaging conversations with business leaders. Guests on the platform include the CEO of Nike, founder of Blackberry, inventor of Amazon Alexa, the CFOs of Google, Yelp, Yahoo!, Shopify, and more.
LumiQ’s mission is to make professional education enjoyable and currently delivers industry-certified learnings through its web and mobile app to over 1,000 corporate and accounting firms across North America. Most recently, LumiQ has received strategic investment from Vertu Capital, a private equity firm specializing in global enterprise software and software-enabled companies.
Prior to founding LumiQ, Michael began his entrepreneurial career as the CFO/COO of wearable technology startup, GestureLogic. Michael graduated from the Richard Ivey School of Business and began his career in audit at Ernst and Young, earning his CPA designation, before moving into risk management consulting at Protiviti. Michael also completed an MA in International Affairs specializing in counter-terrorism, while working at Scotiabank in that capacity.
MARIETJIE MACMILLAN
MACMILLAN CONSULTING
Fractional CFO
Currently serving as a Fractional CFO with MacMillan Consulting, Marietjie brings extensive experience in guiding organizations through transformation – whether it’s scaling startups, driving high-growth operations, or optimizing financial strategies.
With a career spanning multiple industries, including manufacturing, retail, telecom, IT, and transportation, Marietjie has held leadership roles such as Director of Finance at Bay Area Health Trust, A/CFO at the Ministry of Finance (BC Liquor Distribution Branch), and Corporate Controller at Crestline Coach Ltd. She has also served as Vice President & CFO at Commerx Corporation and FEI Canada’s CFO & Corporate Secretary, among other senior finance positions. Marietjie earned her CPA, CMA designation in 2011 while serving as VP Finance & Controller at Liberty Wine Merchants in Vancouver.
DARRELL MACMULLIN
MASTERCARD
Senior Vice President, Product and Solutions
Darrell MacMullin brings experience from previous roles at NowVertical Group Inc., SecureKey Technologies Inc, Vantage Analytics and Goldmoney. Darrell MacMullin holds a 1992 – 1997 BA in Business at Ryerson University. Darrell has driven successful new payment and commerce innovations for the past 15 years, helping businesses create useful shopping experiences that delight customers with a robust skill set that includes E-commerce, Online Marketing, Business Development, Marketing Strategy, Advisory Boards and more. . Darrell has worked closely both as an advisor and investor with entrepreneurs, developers and industry partners to accelerate the growth of new fintech payments and commerce experiences. He also launched and led operations for PayPal during its first eight years in Canada. Darrell has also provided payment industry thought leadership on bringing the convergence of online, mobile and offline into one commerce line to government, banks and new fintech companies.
CARL MARCOTTE
CANDU ENERGY INC.
Senior Vice-President, Marketing & Business Development
As Senior Vice-President, Marketing and Business Development, Carl Marcotte is responsible
for business growth and sales of the Canadian-developed CANDU® nuclear reactor.
Before joining AtkinsRéalis in 2020, Carl Marcotte was President & CEO of Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) in Ottawa. While there, he led a team of international contracting and risk management professionals who reported to Parliament through the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade. He was responsible for developing new business opportunities for Canadian exporters selling to foreign governments while providing assurance of Canadian capabilities and acting as the prime contractor to close major opportunities. Previously, Carl spent 24 years at Export Development Canada and Nortel Networks managing teams of financing professionals. He also held similar business development roles within SNC-Lavalin Nuclear, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL).
Carl is a retired Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Intelligence Officer. He has been a speaker
for Historica Canada for over 18 years, sharing his experiences and educating students about
Canada’s Military history. He has sat on multiple boards, including Forum for International Trade
Training (FITT), Wavefront, Heritage College Foundation and was Chair for three years of the
Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. Carl is a project financing professional by training and
holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University and an MBA from McGill University.
JAMES MARPLE
TD BANK GROUP
Associate Vice President • Economics
James Marple is an Associate Vice President and Senior Economist with TD Bank Group. James and the economics team provide analysis and forecasts to TD clients and stakeholders covering the U.S., Canadian, and global economies.
In his current role, James oversees the economic scenario generation process for internal and regulatory stress testing exercises for the bank’s operations in Canada and the U.S.
James received his graduate degree in Economics from the University of Toronto in 2005. In October of 2024 he celebrated his seventeen-year anniversary with TD Bank Group.
ALI MASOUD
TALAN AMERICAS
Senior Finance Consultant
Ali Masoud is an SAP Finance Solution Architect at Talan Americas, bridging finance and technology. He leads SAP S/4HANA projects that drive performance and compliance. Ali is known for his sharp insight into finance-led digital transformation.
FLORIAN MEYER, MBA, CPA, CA
NEWHOUSE PARTNERS INC.
Fractional CFO
Florian has been involved as a Fractional Chief Financial Officer and Board Member as a change agent to allow the companies to be focused on growth. Florian done this type of consulting for over twenty years.
Florian’s financial expertise has been built over 35 years as a financial officer, external and internal auditor, group controller, treasurer, CFO, fractional CFO and Board Member from a number of large Canadian corporations.
Florian currently specializes in financial corporate change management. He is sought out by mid-sized companies for his insightful identification of opportunities and his pragmatic approach in leading corporate change.
JOSEPH MIGLIACCI
VISA CANADA
Head of Visa Commercial Solution Sale
Joseph is responsible for Visa’s Commercial and Business portfolios in Canada from a growth and coverage perspective. In previous roles he covered international treasury management needs of bank clients as well as responsible for product development within the commercial card segment. Joseph has obtained an Executive MBA through the Richard Ivey School of Business, Certified Treasury Professional Designation, Certificate of International Cash Management. and Certified Purchasing Card Designation.
Outside of work Joseph acts as Treasurer for the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada and is a member of the Treasury Management Association of Canada.
STEPHEN MILL
ROBERT HALF CANADA
President • Executive Search
Based in Toronto, Stephen Mill is the President for Executive Search (Canada). He brings over 25 years of experience in human capital advisory to his role, where he serves as a trusted leader overseeing a diversified operational recruitment consulting team.
He has personally conducted hundreds of complex senior-level assignments—specializing in finance, technology, and operations leadership advisory work with investment management, private equity, banking, and technology organizations.
Stephen began his career at Robert Half in 1996, serving as the Senior Regional Vice President for Canadian and Northeastern US staffing operations. He left Robert Half to assume a national leadership role for Korn Ferry’s recruitment process outsourcing business, developing and rapidly scaling their Canadian operations as a member of the executive and global strategic account teams.
After Korn Ferry, Stephen led a specialized technology recruitment and contract consulting business based in Canada. He returned to Robert Half in 2014, where he has since developed, curated, and expanded the Canadian executive search usiness and supported the development of best practices across the global organization.
Stephen is an advisor to and nomination committee member of FEI Canada’s CFO of the Year program, jointly sponsored by Robert Half and PwC. He is a board member and strategic advisor for Northern Green Canada, a licensed cannabis producer.
Stephen has been interviewed and quoted in The Globe and Mail, IT World Canada, and other industry and mainstream media publications. He has spoken and served as a panelist for many professional membership organizations and industry events, including for FEI Canada and CPA Canada. Throughout his career, Stephen has completed multiple leadership courses with Harvard Business School and the Richard Ivey School of Business.
NANDINI MULLIAH
AON REED STENHOUSE INC.
Canada Finance Leader
Nandini Mulliah is a seasoned business-focused Executive with over 18+ years of experience and valued partner to Presidents/CEOs and executive teams with financial and operational responsibility and a proven ability to develop, shape and execute on strategies that support growth (organic & M&A), streamline costs, guide transformations, create operational efficiencies, motivate teams, and deliver results in a complex, fast-paced matrixed environment to create an impact. Tasked with mix of private and public financial environments, with an emphasis on financial planning and analysis to support strategic analysis and decision making. Recognized leader and trusted advisor with a reputation for adopting a collaborative approach to problem solving and risk management, in support of driving new business growth and development. Notable for implementing organizational improvements that allow for accountability, sustainability and transparency by managing and transforming finance as a strategic function to build, enable and preserve value while optimizing the effectiveness of HR, Operations & IT and helping to lay foundation for stable, long-term growth.
JUDITH MUNRO, CPA, CA
FEI CANADA THOUGHT LEADERSHIP FORUM
Vice Chair
Judy is presently the Vice-Chair of FEI Canada’s Thought Leadership Forum and brings considerable history and perspective to the Committee as an active member of FEI Canada for over three decades. She has served on the Board of FEIC’s Toronto and Vancouver Chapters, chairing several committees and is a Past President of Toronto Chapter.
Over the course of her 40+ year career, she has held executive level roles in finance and operations as well as Board positions within both public and private company environments, from small entrepreneurial concerns to international multi-divisional operations across a broad cross section of industries, with a depth of expertise in real estate and hospitality.
Most recently, Judy was Senior Managing Director of Robert Half Executive Search, a division of leading global S&P 500 staffing and recruiting firm, where she was instrumental in leading the launch of their Executive Search practice in Canada and specialized in the placement of senior financial and technology leaders.
Judy is well versed in Board governance having served on both public company and not- for profit organizations as a Board member and serving in various Board leadership roles including Vice Chair, Chair of both Audit and Finance as well as Governance and Nominations Committees and Member of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.
PAUL NAGPAL
THE CFO CENTRE
President & COO
Paul Nagpal is the President & COO of The CFO Centre, where he leads strategic growth and operational excellence across the organization. With a strong background in scaling businesses and empowering finance leaders, Paul brings deep expertise in financial strategy, leadership, and executive management to his role.
GORD NELSON
CINEPLEX ENTERTAINMENT INC.
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Nelson is the Chief Financial Officer of Cineplex, a role he has held since 2004. He oversees the finance, purchasing, risk management, legal, investor relations and corporate development areas of the Corporation. He also serves as a Director of Scene+ and Vice-Chair of Baycrest Hospital and The Baycrest Day Care Centre where he is a member of the Executive Committee and serves as Chair of its Finance Committee.
He graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.Comm and an MBA and holds the accounting designations of Fellow Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA), Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. Mr. Nelson was named Canada’s CFO of the Year for 2016 by Financial Executives Institute Canada, PwC and Robert Half.
APRIL OLSON
MICROSOFT
Head of Product, Dynamics 365 Finance, Human Resources and Sustainability Manager
April is a customer-centric Partner Group Product Manager, who spearheads a dynamic global team dedicated to 24/7 support for autonomous cloud financial operations. Her passion lies in driving digital transformation within the realms of finance and business, while also empowering her team’s success.
As the driving force behind Dynamics 365 Finance, Human Resources and Sustainability, April shapes business strategy, product direction, and innovative initiatives. She brings a wealth of experience to the table with over two decades of experience spanning product management, consulting, training, content development, and customer service.
HARI PANDAY
Board Chairman • President & CEO • Corporate Governance expert • Faculty member • Author and Speaker
Hari Panday is a financial executive and an independent corporate director. He has spent over 40 years in the financial services sector in Canada and USA, along with being an external auditor with PwC, as well as internal and IT auditor roles. He founded ICICI Bank Canada as its first President & CEO and a first director. He also served with HSBC Bank Canada and Bank of Montreal.
He has served on multiple corporate boards as a Board and Committee Chair covering Audit and Finance, Governance, Regulatory and Nominations, HR, Risk, and special committees setup for CEO recruitment, M&A and director offboarding.
Presently, Mr. Panday advises corporate boards on governance matters and designs and delivers customized board education programs.
He is currently serving on the boards of the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and Meridian Credit Union (second largest in Canada – $30 Bn assets). On both these boards he is the Chair, Audit & Finance Committees. At the OSC he additionally serves on OSC’s Risk and Governance & Nominations committees. At Meridian Hari also serves on its Nominations Committees. His directorship roles have encompassed a bank, securities firm, a stock exchange, insurance company, mining exploration company, an Ontario administrative authority and several prominent not-for-profit boards, e.g., the ROM, Roy Thomson and Massey Hall, the Harbourfront Centre and Canadian Forces College Foundation.
Hari teaches corporate governance in a graduate program at York University. and has authored on Cross-border Corporate Governance. He is currently an Honorary Colonel in the Canadian Army. Hari has a Fellowship from CPA Canada (FCPA, FCGA), and a certified director in Canada ( ICD.D ) and in the USA ( NACD.DC ). He is a recipient of the Canadian Military Decoration (CD) and for his volunteer service he was recognized with The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
MARY PARKES
CMP BUSINESS ADVISORS
Fractional CFO & Management Consultant
Mary’s career as a Chief Financial Officer spans more than 25 years, with successful records of delivering business transformations for growth. She has earned the reputation of being a trusted advisor who provides meaningful insights and practical solutions, with a focus on the future. Mary has been described as a leader who delivers results, links vision to strategy and plans, builds high-performing teams…all while maintaining a sense of humour and enthusiasm.
Mary’s experience is across several industries, entrepreneurial environments, and both private and public ownership structures, including leading an IPO. She has been CFO in notable organizations: The Beer Store, SIR Corp restaurants, Longo’s grocery stores, and most recently, BDO Canada. With broad responsibilities often extending beyond traditional finance, she has gained perspective for a holistic approach to decision-making.
After retiring from BDO, Mary co-founded CMP Business Advisors Professional Corporation offering fractional CFO and management consulting services to help small and medium-sized businesses navigate the complexities of growth.
Mary is a member of FEI, serving on the Board of SGH Chapter and several committees since 2012.
STEPHEN POLOZ
OSLER
Special Advisor • Former Governor of the Bank of Canada
Stephen Poloz is Special Advisor at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. As the former Governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen is a widely recognized economist with 40 years experience in financial markets, forecasting and economic policy.
An Officer of the Order of Canada, Stephen has made significant contributions to the country throughout his career and continues to do so. In 2024, Stephen led an economic working group created by the federal government to help find more opportunities for Canada’s largest pension funds to drive economic growth here at home.
Stephen joined Osler after seven years at the helm of the central bank. His experience in having guided Canada’s monetary response, particularly during the first half of 2020, demonstrated his ability to translate complex market information into the business context.
Prior to joining the Bank of Canada, Stephen spent 14 years at Export Development Canada as Chief Economist (1999-2008), and Head of Lending (2008-2011) and then as President and CEO of EDC (2011-2013).
In 2023, Stephen won the National Business Book Award for The Next Age of Uncertainty: How the World Can Adapt to a Riskier Future, which is also a national bestseller.
He has received honorary Doctoral degrees from Trent University and the University of Western Ontario.
MATT PULLEN
MARSH CANADA
Managing Director, National Industry Leader • Power & Renewable Energy
Matthew is a Managing Director and the Power & Renewable Energy Industry Practice Leader with Marsh Canada. Within this role Matthew assists clients in the identification and quantification of risk, while facilitating an understanding of their unique risk profile and the development of various traditional and non-traditional risk transfer solutions.
Matthew graduated from the University of Guelph in Environmental Engineering, is a registered Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario and completed a Master’s in Business Administration, specializing in finance at Laurier University.
DR. DEBORAH ROSATI
WOMEN GET ON BOARD
Founder and CEO
Deborah Rosati, an award-winning entrepreneur and corporate director, has been defined in three interconnected ways throughout her 35-year career – as a corporate governance champion, catalyst for change and community builder.
As the founder and CEO of Women Get On Board Inc. (WGOB), a 950-member social-purpose company, Deborah is building a community of the next generation of women corporate directors. WGOB amplifies the voices of women leaders, board members and professionals across Canada through education, mentorship and allyship. It’s been called The Power of Three – one woman in the boardroom is a token, two is a presence, and three is a voice.
Deborah is a leading and serving corporate director, currently chairing the board of Profound Impact Corporation and has chaired many public company audit committees and nominating & corporate governance committees. In addition, Deborah has led and served on numerous special committees with various mandates (including going public, going private, M&A, restructuring and special investigations).
Deborah’s passion for good governance and board diversity is rooted in her board journey when she was often the only woman in the boardroom. These first-hand experiences cemented Deborah’s conviction that having more women on boards makes better business sense.
Never satisfied with the status quo, Deborah always seeks ways to challenge expectations and drive change. She brings an environmental, social and governance (ESG) lens to every board she serves on, as she believes in the power and responsibility of business to change our world for the better.
As a visionary leader, Deborah recently launched Women Funding Women Inc. (WFW) with her co-founders, Sherry Shannon Vanstone and Lara Zink, to bridge the funding gap for female founders.
Deborah’s commitment to sustainable change and empowerment, deep governance knowledge, financial expertise and dynamic personality have made her a sought-after thought leader and speaker. Deborah’s thought leadership on corporate governance, sustainability, EDI and social impact is profiled on her website, deborahrosati.ca.
KARL SCHAMOTTA
CORPAY
Chief Market Strategist
Karl leads Corpay’s currency research group, focused on analyzing shifts in the world economy and creating strategies that help businesses harness market volatility. He has built risk management and trading programmes for hundreds of major corporations, and is a regular contributor to a number of international finance publications. He regularly appears in the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Reuters, BNN, CNN and CNBC. You can follow him on LinkedIn or at @Karl_Schamotta on Twitter.
SHRUTHI SHETTY
SAP BUSINESS AI RIG
CFO
Global Vice President
Shruthi Prakash Shetty is the Global Vice President for the SAP Business AI RIG. Her organization, part of the Business AI unit, focuses on helping customers activate AI across Joule, embedded, and custom AI/agent scenarios. Shruthi leads strategic executive discussions to initiate and accelerate AI adoption.
TERESA SMITH, SHRM PMQ, HRP, FPP, PFA, FDS
UKG
Partner Directer, Human Insights and HCM Strategic Advisory Group
As a partner director for the human insights and human capital management (HCM) strategy consultant group for UKG Incorporated, Teresa Smith advises business leaders and their leadership teams on how to better maximize people-centric strategies to achieve long-term success. With deep expertise in change management process and business innovation, Smith is an advocate for the unmatched value of an empowered workforce, and helps organizations more effectively attract prospective employees, engage existing employees, and holistically develop and manage an exceptional employee experience.
Smith has dedicated the majority of her career to exploring the impact of hr, payroll and workforce management on the workforce. From small businesses to global operations, she is adept to diagnosing customer needs, delivering effective solutions, and collaborating with senior leaders to achieve improved business outcomes. For over 20 years, Smith led workforce management and HCM initiatives at a technology vendor, working closely
with sales and management teams to develop critical business strategies for
both domestic and global customers. Prior to that, she served as IT Director
at a large hospital and IT support and management functions for the Department of Defense.
Smith has earned her SHRM – PMQ, Data Science Certification, Six Sigma, as well as Workforce Management certification, HR Professional certification, Fundamentals of Payroll Processing certification and Corporate Visions certification.
Outside the office, Smith is passionate about helping others become the best versions of themselves that they can be and volunteers frequently to support those in need. She currently serves her local community both as a volunteer care counselor, supporting individuals through marriage, and grief and women through PTSD, and as a team leader, helping to restore homes of those in need. With a family tree full of service members, Smith also devotes her time to raising funds for military relief.
GEORGE SPEZZA, CEcD., Ec.D.
NIAGARA REGION
Director • Economic Development
George Spezza is a community builder with over three decades of experience in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. As Director of Economic Development for Niagara Region, George leads and unites efforts across 12 municipalities to build a strong and sustainable regional economy. Prior to his current role, George held a number of positions in Toronto focused on the growth of Canada’s largest city.
As a Senior Advisor for the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit project, George strengthened business and stakeholder relationships critical to this transformative transit initiative. During his tenure as Director of Business Growth Services at the City of Toronto and Vice President of Investment Attraction for the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance, George led a wide range of initiatives to increase business investment and job growth.
George has received professional designations from the Economic Developers Council of Canada and the International Economic Developers Council along with completing the Canada School of Public Service’s Executive Leadership Program.
George was an Instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Urban and Regional Planning, Community Economic Development Program. He is a member of the IEDC International Advisory Committee and a Board Member of the Consider Canada City Alliance.
VLADLEN XAVIER STARK
NGL SUPPLY CO. LTD.
Director of Finance
Vladlen is a finance executive with over 15 years of leadership experience across energy, technology, automotive, manufacturing, and finance sectors. He thrives in complex, fast-paced environments where financial strategy, operational excellence, and technology drive transformation and meaningful results.
He has led AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity initiatives, chairing the Technology Thought Leadership Forum at FEI Canada. From publishing industry guidance to leading webinars and speaking at conferences, he helps boards and executive teams adopt responsible AI frameworks, strengthen cybersecurity resilience, and leverage data for strategic decision-making.
As Director of Finance and Human Capital for North America’s largest propane distributor, he oversees financial strategy, tax, compliance, risk management, and human capital, leading large cross-functional teams across multiple jurisdictions. He spearheads enterprise-wide transformation, integrating AI-driven financial automation and governance to enhance efficiency, compliance, and long-term growth, while optimizing talent strategies, cybersecurity, and risk management to future-proof the organization.
Beyond corporate leadership, he founded Stark Industries International, scaling a real estate portfolio tenfold in under a decade and expanding into international hospitality. Navigating cross-border challenges – including language barriers, regulations, and financial complexities – he managed investments across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring seamless operations and sustainable growth.
Outside of work, he always seeks new challenges, whether in competitive tennis, bodybuilding, global travel (33 countries and counting), or championing causes. As a Rotary International member and board member for multiple nonprofits, he leverages his expertise in finance, governance, and technology to support organizations in achieving their missions and driving positive change.
His greatest adventure? Family. Traveling the world with his wife, son, and daughter has been deeply fulfilling, shaping his personal and professional journey.
NASSIM TAYARI
IBM
Data and AI platform Leader, Technical Sales
Nassim is an accomplished technical leader at IBM, where she is pivotal in building strong partnerships with IBM’s premier clients, showcasing the transformative potential of AI and hybrid cloud technologies. Nassim leads IBM Data and AI platform technical sales team for the Canada market. Nassim’s team consistently delivers tailored solutions that drive client success through the power of data and AI.
Nassim’s exceptional leadership experience spans several key roles within IBM, including serving as the former watsonx Client Engineering Squad Manager, leading multi-disciplinary teams that enabled IBM’s financial services clients to innovate using IBM’s transformative AI and hybrid cloud technologies.
Before joining IBM, Nassim held leadership positions at the Royal Bank of Canada and Borealis AI, RBC’s AI Research institute. In these roles, she fostered open academic collaborations and conducted pioneering work in Machine Learning product development, with a focus on data governance and Responsible A.
With a PhD in applications of Machine Learning in Medical Imaging, Nassim has demonstrated expertise in both academic and practical applications of data and AI. She has published numerous articles in peer-viewed journals and has been awarded multiple grants in her fields of expertise.
Outside of work, Nassim is the Toronto chapter Lead the Women of IBM Networking Group (WING) where she is involved in mentoring and connecting women in tech. She also participates in the Mentor Meetup, connecting professionals from diverse disciplines to foster growth and mentorship.
HARRY TAYLOR
HYDRO ONE
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial & Regulatory Officer
Harry Taylor is an engaging and inspirational leader who has driven profitable growth and built financial acumen across organizations. Mr. Taylor most recently held the position of Chief Financial Officer and, briefly, interim Chief Executive Officer at WestJet Airlines until December 2022.
Prior to joining WestJet, Mr. Taylor was Chief Financial Officer, senior finance leader or division president in Canada and the United States for Canadian Tire Corporation, Holt Renfrew Limited, The Home Depot and PepsiCo/Frito-Lay. Before embarking on his operating company leadership career, Harry spent five years consulting with McKinsey & Company and three years in public accounting with Clarkson Gordon (now Ernst & Young).
Harry earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, a Chartered Accountant designation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario and a Master of Business Administration from the Ivey Business School, where he won the gold medal. Harry has served on and worked with public and private company boards as well as not for profit boards in Canada and the United States and is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.
JIM THOMSON
SYLVITE
Chief Financial Officer
Jim is an entrepreneurially driven finance executive with a passion for building long term sustainable businesses through the implementation of solid business practices.
A proven strategic thinker and problem solver with a reputation for visionary leadership and increasing shareholder value.
Adept at strategic and business plan development and execution, business process change, finance restructuring, mergers/acquisitions and talent development.
For over 40+ years, Jim has gained his knowledge and experiences in key financial roles in the transportation, waste management, environmental technologies, office services and agricultural distribution/services business sectors. Jim ‘s focus has been focused primarily in the private sector with both turnaround and growth opportunities.
VIVIAN TONG
ADP CANADA
Vice President, Finance of Major & National Account Services
Vivian Tong is Vice President, Finance of Major & National Account Services of ADP Canada. ADP is a comprehensive global provider of cloud-based human capital management solutions and a leader in business outsourcing services, analytics, and compliance expertise.
Vivian is a strategic senior finance executive and trusted advisor that is passionate about leading and developing people, building strong partnerships, and helping organizations develop and achieve strategic business goals.
Vivian has been with ADP since 2012. Prior to her current role, she has also served as Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis of ADP Canada & US Major Account Service, and Vice President, Financial Operations. Prior to ADP, Vivian held various finance and audit leadership roles at Bell Canada and at KPMG.
Vivian is a Chartered Accountant and a Certified Information Systems Auditor. Vivian holds a Bachelor of Mathematics – Honours Chartered Accountancy Option from the University of Waterloo. Vivian is also a graduate of FEI Canada’s CFO Leadership Beyond Finance program with Queens University.
She is currently the President & Board Chair of FEI Toronto Chapter and Co-Chair of this year’s FEI National Conference. Vivian believes in giving back and helping shape the finance leaders of tomorrow and has been a mentor in the FEI Toronto Chapter Mentor Advantage program since program inception in 2017.
NADIA VATTOAZ
SPORTING LIFE
CFO & EVP Logistics
Nadia Vattovaz, CPA, C.Dir., GCB.D is a seasoned executive with over two decades of leadership in finance, operations, and corporate governance across diverse industries, including retail, cannabis, and consumer goods. She currently serves as a Corporate Director and Audit Committee Chair at Decibel Cannabis Company.
Previously, Nadia held pivotal roles such as CFO & Head of Logistics at Sporting Life Group, overseeing brands like Golf Town and Sporting Life . Her tenure at Fire & Flower as COO, CFO & EVP Operations was marked by significant contributions to the company’s growth and operational efficiency . Her career also includes strategic financial leadership positions at Holt Renfrew, Canadian Tire, Bento Sushi, Maple Leaf Foods, Workopolis, and Azcar Technologies.
Nadia’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with a minor in Business from Western University and a Graduate Diploma in Public Accountancy from McGill University . She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and holds the Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation from the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University . Additionally, she has pursued the Global Competent Boards Designation (GCB.D), emphasizing her commitment to ESG principles.
Nadia is also an alumna of the Women Get On Board (WGOB) mentorship program, reflecting her dedication to advancing board diversity and governance excellence.
IVETTE VERA-PEREZ
CANADIAN NUCLEAR INDUSTRY
Chief Executive Officer
Ivette Vera-Perez is a passionate leader in innovation, energy, and cleantech, with a unique blend of business acumen (MBA) and deep technical expertise (BEng Hons, MASc). With extensive experience analyzing energy efficiency and GHG reduction technologies, she brings both strategic insight and practical knowledge to the forefront of Canada’s clean technology landscape.
A founding Director of the Ontario Clean Technologies Industry Association (OCTIA), Ivette is an active voice in Ontario’s cleantech community. At Mitacs, she leads a high-performing national team of Business Development Managers, helping Canadian companies tackle innovation and R&D challenges through talent connections, funding strategies, and strategic partnerships.
JO MARK ZUREL
Corporate Director and Investor
Jo Mark Zurel is corporate director and investor. He serves on the boards of Fortis Inc., Major Drilling Group International Group Inc., Sustainable Development Technology Canada, and the Institute of Corporate Directors. He recently completed a 9-year term on the board of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. From 1998 to 2006, Mr. Zurel was senior vice-president and chief financial officer of CHC Helicopter Corporation. Mr. Zurel has a bachelor of commerce from Dalhousie University, is a Fellow of the Association of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Newfoundland and Labrador and has been granted the ICD.D designation by the Institute of Corporate Directors.