New Ways of Working: Re-inventing Your Business in the Age of COVID-19
Webinar with the Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Sarah Davis, Melissa Kennedy and Jeffrey Russell
Sponsored by:
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us why businesses need to design themselves for disruption. With phased re-openings across the country, businesses are facing a prolonged period of uncertainty and the ongoing need to adapt and re-invent to ensure safety as well as resiliency and growth for the future. The C.D. Howe Institute invites you to join us on August 31 to hear a panel of leaders discuss how their organizations are responding to the pandemic, from establishing safe workplaces and business continuity to the long-term opportunities of digital transformation.
C.D. Howe Institute events and webinars are open to members and their guests.
Please follow this link or contact events@cdhowe.org to register.
The Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, President, Treasury Board of Ontario
On June 29th, the Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy was appointed President of the Treasury Board by Premier Doug Ford, signaling the government’s continued commitment to putting the people first, and restoring trust and accountability in Ontario’s finances. Minister Bethlenfalvy leads the government’s efforts on expenditure management, which includes the line-by-line review of the province’s finances.
An internationally-renowned figure in the financial services sector, Minister Bethlenfalvy draws upon over 25 years of senior leadership experience in capital markets, risk management and investments. Prior to politics, he served as Chief Investment and Risk Officer at CST Consultants. He was also the Senior Vice President, Financial Regulations, at Manulife Financial, where he spearheaded strategy and monitoring efforts of global financial regulatory systems. Previously, Minister Bethlenfalvy served as Co-President at DBRS Ltd., where he managed the team that downgraded Ontario’s short and long-term debt ratings in 2009. He started his career with TD in New York, where he ultimately served as President and Chief Operating Officer of TD Securities.
Sarah Davis, President, Loblaw Companies Limited
Sarah Davis is the President of Loblaw Companies Limited, responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of Canada’s largest retailer and the nation’s food and pharmacy leader. With more than 2,400 corporate, franchised and Associate-owned locations, Loblaw, its franchisees, and Associate-owners employ approximately 200,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada's largest private sector employers.
Ms. Davis joined Loblaw in 2007 and, prior to assuming the role of President in 2017, served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, responsible for Real Estate, Strategy, Information Technology, Supply Chain and Human Resources. Ms. Davis has a strong corporate-finance background, which has served her well in supporting some of the company’s most transformative programs in recent history, including the implementation of SAP, the creation of Choice Properties REIT, and the acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart.
Ms. Davis is the chair of PC® Children’s Charity and T&T Supermarkets and served as chair of the Women@Loblaw network from 2009 to 2017. She also sits on the Board of Directors for PC Financial and AGF Investments.
Ms. Davis holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Honours degree from Queen’s University, a Chartered Accountant and is a Fellow of the CPA.
Melissa Kennedy, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Public Affairs, Sun Life Financial
Melissa Kennedy leads Sun Life’s legal, compliance, government relations and corporate secretary functions and is the Executive Sponsor of Sustainability. Through proactive partnership and ensuring optimal governance, Melissa and her teams guide the company to deliver on its Purpose to help Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.
Melissa joined Sun Life in 2014 with a breadth of experience spanning private practice, regulatory and in-house roles. Prior to joining Sun Life, she was SVP, GC and Corporate Affairs for Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. Melissa started her career in private practice, followed by roles as manager of the litigation team at the OSC and as VP, Associate GC at CIBC.
A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Melissa is a founding member of Legal Leaders for Diversity, a group of Canadian GCs who promote D and I in the legal community. In 2012, Melissa received the General Counsel of the Year Award and in 2016, WXN recognized her as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women. In 2017, Melissa received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from U of T and in recognition of her efforts to embed sustainability practices into Sun Life’s culture and operations, the Environmental, Social and Governance award from the Canadian General Counsel Awards. In 2019, Chambers and Partners recognized her as one of Canada’s 15 Most Influential General Counsels.
Jeffrey Russell, President and Senior Managing Director, Accenture Canada
As President of Accenture in Canada, Jeffrey Russell leads all aspects of Accenture’s business in Canada, including supporting a 5,000+ strong workforce that shapes and implements innovative solutions to respond to clients' most pressing business performance challenges.
Previously, Jeffrey was the Chief Executive for Accenture’s Products business in North America, where he focused on strengthening the hospitality and travel, retail, consumer packaged goods, life sciences and automotive industries. He was responsible for all facets of this multi-billion-dollar business and worked closely with clients and leaders while helping them to grow their impact and value.
Jeffrey has more than 30 years of consulting and industry experience living and working extensively in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America, supporting a wide range of leading clients in consumer-based industries. He is focused on assisting clients in transforming their end-to-end business and value chain performance.
Jeffrey joined Accenture in 1998 in the Melbourne, Australia, office and has been based in Australia, Singapore, the United States and the United Kingdom before moving back to his home country, Canada.
He is a regular speaker and contributing author on a variety of strategic business issues facing organizations focused on creating a more profitable and sustainable business model. Jeffrey sits on the boards of Catalyst Canada, Junior Achievement USA and the Frost Science Museum. He also plays an active role in the Accenture Development Program (ADP), supporting several client teams in helping NGO’s around the world including GBC Health and IRC.
Jeffrey holds both a Bachelor and Master of Engineering degree from the University of Manitoba in Canada.
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