Business Leader Award (Toronto)

Dave McKay
President and CEO of RBC

Dave McKay, MBA ‘92, LLD ‘19, President and CEO of RBC, received the 2022 Ivey Business Leader Award and addressed distinguished members of Canada’s business community at an in-person gala dinner in Toronto on October 27, 2022. 

Since joining RBC in 1983 as a co-op student, McKay has been recognized as a champion of innovation and big ideas. After taking on the role as President and CEO in 2014, he’s been on a journey to reimagine the future of financial services and to bring RBC’s purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper, to life. McKay is a leading force behind RBC’s ‘beyond banking’ strategy, building ecosystems, like RBC Ventures, that enable the bank to participate in a broader part of the client journey and value chain.

He’s driven investments in new technologies and business models to bring the physical and digital worlds together and provide best-in-class insights, advice and experiences for RBC clients. He also led the acquisition of City National Bank, advancing RBC’s U.S. growth platform over the past several years.

“Dave McKay is a masterful strategist, innovator and purpose-led leader. He has navigated RBC through very disruptive times by introducing cutting edge technology and helping the bank to evolve with changing consumer demands, while being an active voice and steward for some of society’s most pressing issues,” said Sharon Hodgson, Dean, Ivey Business School. “It is exciting to have this year’s recipient as a proud Ivey alum.”

In Canada, McKay is a passionate advocate for the country’s future prosperity, including preparing youth for the future of work. He spearheaded RBC Future Launch, a 10-year, $500 million commitment to help young people build the skills required for a rapidly changing world. McKay is also active in his community including chairing the Business Higher Education Roundtable which brings together Canada’s top businesses, universities and colleges to find ways to better link workplaces and classrooms.

McKay holds a Bachelor of Mathematics and an honorary Doctor of Mathematics degree from the University of Waterloo. He also holds an MBA and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the Ivey Business School at Western University, and an honorary degree from Ryerson University.

“Dave McKay stands out as a formidable leader in corporate Canada,” said Darin Deschamps, HBA ’87, Head, Wells Fargo Securities Canada and co-chair of the Ivey Business Leader Award Committee. “He has a special combination of business acumen, strategic vision, and community commitment which distinguish him from other leaders.”  

Deschamps and Doug Guzman, HBA ’88, Group Head, RBC Wealth Management, RBC Insurance and RBC Investor & Treasury Services, chair the Ivey Business Leader Award that was presented at a black-tie dinner on October 27, 2022 at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto. Proceeds from the annual event support HBA and MBA student awards through the Ivey Fund Scholars program.

McKay joined an esteemed list of past Ivey Business Leader Award recipients demonstrating leadership in both business and their communities.

Peter Gilgan
Chairman and CEO of Mattamy Asset Management

Peter Gilgan, Chairman and CEO of Mattamy Asset Management, and noted Canadian philanthropist, received the 2019 Ivey Business Leader Award, and addressed Canada’s most prominent business leaders at an annual gala dinner in Toronto on October 3, 2019.

Gilgan founded Mattamy Homes in 1978, overseeing the company’s strategic direction and growth into North America’s largest privately-owned homebuilder, with more than 100,000 homes sold in hundreds of communities across Canada and the U.S. While Gilgan is noted as one of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs, it is his commitment to philanthropy that truly sets him apart. Both personally and through the Peter Gilgan Foundation, his lifetime donations supporting initiatives in health care, education, athletics, children and environmental protection now total in excess of $200 million.

“Peter Gilgan understands how to build communities. His success as a homebuilder and business person is very apparent, but his dedication to philanthropy makes him a true community leader,” said Ivey’s Acting Dean Mark Vandenbosch, HBA ’84. “His actions and generosity reflect the School’s mission to positively contribute to the societies that we operate within.”

Gilgan’s charitable contributions are extensive, including a historic gift of $100 million to The Hospital for Sick Children. It is the largest single gift ever to SickKids, and together with donations made to other hospitals and health-care organizations to date, it makes Gilgan and the Peter Gilgan Foundation the largest benefactor to health care in Canada. Other donations include $10 million to St. Joseph’s Health Centre in 2017; $30 million to St. Michael’s Hospital for a new patient care tower; $10 million towards the building of the new Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital; and $40 million in 2012 to SickKids. In the education sector, his historic $15 million gift to Ryerson University supported the development of the Mattamy Athletic Centre on the site of the former Maple Leaf Gardens. He was awarded one of the country’s highest civilian honours in 2013 when he was appointed to the Order of Canada, as well as the Order of Ontario in 2012, for his business leadership and philanthropic initiatives. In 2013, he was inducted as a Companion into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame and honoured with a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

“Peter Gilgan’s business and philanthropic leadership is truly inspirational and serves as a shining example of a successful individual devoted to giving back to his community,” said Darin Deschamps, HBA ’87, Head, Wells Fargo Securities Canada, Ltd. and Co-chair, Ivey Business Leader Award. 

Deschamps and Mark Whitmore, MBA ’91, Global Leader, Deloitte Private, jointly chaired the Ivey Business Leader Award that was presented at a black-tie dinner on October 3, 2019 at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto. Proceeds from the annual event support scholarships for outstanding Ivey students.

Gilgan joined an esteemed list of past Ivey Business Leader Award recipients demonstrating leadership in both business and their communities. 

Dean Connor
President and CEO, Sun Life Financial

Dean Connor, President and CEO of Sun Life Financial received the Ivey Business Leader Award and addressed Canada’s most prominent business leaders at an annual gala dinner in Toronto on November 1, 2018.

Connor, HBA ’78, is best known for his contributions to the financial industry and passion for enhancing the client experience.

“Dean Connor demonstrates the desire and commitment that help make an outstanding business leader,” said Ivey’s Acting Dean Mark Vandenbosch, HBA ’84. “I am happy to recognize and celebrate Dean’s tremendous success. He has not shied away from setting ambitious goals for Sun Life to grow and achieve financial performance targets.”

Connor serves on the Board of the Business Council of Canada and the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, as a Trustee for the University Health Network in Toronto, and a member of the Ivey Advisory Board and the Asia Business Leaders Advisory Council. He is actively involved in the United Way, and chaired its $105 million 2017 campaign for Toronto and York Region, as well as the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute’s $100 million Where Incredible Happens campaign.

Connor was appointed CEO of Sun Life in December 2011 and was named Top New CEO for 2014 by Canadian Business. He was awarded Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year® for 2017.

Prior to Sun Life, he spent 28 years at Mercer Human Resource Consulting, where he rose to President for the Americas.

“Dean’s leadership and vision set Sun Life on a transformative journey with client-focused digital innovation, accelerated growth in Asia, and new wealth and asset management businesses, making it the industry leader it is today,” said Mark Whitmore, MBA ’91, Co-chair, Ivey Business Leader Award. “He serves as an inspiration for the Canadian business community and we are proud to call him one of our own here at Ivey.”

Whitmore and Darin Deschamps, HBA ’87, jointly chair the Ivey Business Leader Award that was presented at a black-tie dinner on November 1, 2018 at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto. Proceeds from the annual event support HBA and MBA student awards through the Ivey Fund Scholars program.

Connor joins an esteemed list of past Ivey Business Leader Award recipients demonstrating leadership in both business and their communities.

Linda Hasenfratz
Chief Executive Officer, Linamar

Known for her leadership and commitment in business and community initiatives, Linda Hasenfratz, EMBA ’97, was named the Ivey Business Leader of the Year for 2017. Hasenfratz, who is the chief executive officer of global auto parts giant, Linamar, received the award and addressed Canada’s most prominent business leaders at the annual gala dinner in Toronto on October 19, 2017.

Hasenfratz is best known for her leadership in the manufacturing industry where she has held a wide range of roles at Linamar. She has also been actively involved at the Ivey Business School as a participant and consultant in the Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management’s Future of Manufacturing project and as an Ivey Advisory Board member.

Ivey Dean Bob Kennedy said she showed resilience and innovation when leading her company successfully through the 2008 financial crisis and auto-industry collapse. In recent years, Linamar has outperformed the industry, with all-time high revenues and profits.

“Linda Hasenfratz is an outstanding business leader,” he said. “She has demonstrated discipline, strategic thinking, and creativity. Linda exemplifies the type of leadership we embrace at Ivey.”

Hasenfratz is currently the inaugural chair of the Philanthropy Leadership Cabinet of the Guelph General Hospital, a charitable organization that funds health-care initiatives. She is dedicated to seeing women progress in business including playing a leadership role in the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders. Hasenfratz has been on the Board of Advisors for Catalyst Canada since 2003, and the Women On Boards Advisory Council since early 2013. Her passion for the arts inspired her to join the Board of Governors of the Royal Ontario Museum in 2002.

Hasenfratz already has a long list of accolades including:

• The 2014 National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Canada
• 2014 Ontario National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
• Induction into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame
• The Chevalier dans L’Ordre national de la Legion d’honneur by the Government of France
• Order of Merit of Hungary

“Linda Hasenfratz’s career and philanthropic accomplishments in corporate Canada deserve tremendous recognition,” said Kevin O’Brien, HBA ’93, Chair of the Ivey Business Leader Award dinner. “While she’s a fierce competitor in the business world, having taken the manufacturing industry by storm, Linda still remains very active in her community.”

The Ivey Business Leader Award was presented at a black-tie dinner on October 19, 2017, at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto. Proceeds from the annual event support the Ivey Alumni Network Toronto Chapter HBA and MBA Scholarships established to attract top students to the School, the Toronto Alumni Professorship in Business Leadership, and the new Ivey Building.

Hasenfratz joins an esteemed list of past Ivey Business Leader Award recipients demonstrating leadership in both business and their communities. 

Gord Nixon
Former Chief Executive Officer of Royal Bank of Canada

Gord Nixon, former chief executive officer of Royal Bank of Canada, received the Ivey Business Leader Award and addressed Canada’s most prominent business leaders at an annual gala dinner in Toronto on October 18, 2016.

Mr. Nixon is best known for his role as chief executive officer of Royal Bank of Canada from 2001-2014. He continues to serve as a director of George Weston Limited, Bell Canada Enterprises, BlackRock Inc. and sits on the Advisory Board of KingSett Capital.

“Gord Nixon embodies the qualities of an exemplary business leader,” said Bob Kennedy, Dean, Ivey Business School. “Throughout his career he has stood out as a tremendous strategic thinker. In particular, he guided Royal Bank through tumultuous times during the recent financial crisis, emerging from it stronger than ever. This type of resilience and vision represents type of leadership we embrace at Ivey.”

Mr. Nixon is currently chairman of MaRS, a not-for-profit organization that connects science, business and capital, chairman of the Queen’s University Capital Campaign and is a director of the Art Gallery of Ontario. He chaired the Premier’s Jobs and Prosperity Council and he has been as a director of a number of organizations in the arts, health care and education.

Recently, Mr. Nixon was inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame and has been awarded the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario and has been a recipient of Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year Award. He has twice been included on Barron’s List of the World’s Best CEO’s and Bloomberg’s list of the World’s 50 Most Influential People.

“Gord Nixon’s career accomplishments in corporate Canada deserve tremendous recognition,” said Kevin O’Brien, HBA ’93, Chair of the Ivey Business Leader Award Dinner. “Not only is he a driven competitor in the business world but he is also someone who remains dedicated to making his community better.”

The Ivey Business Leader Award was presented at a black-tie dinner on October 18, 2016 at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto. Proceeds from the annual event support the Ivey Alumni Network Toronto Chapter HBA and MBA Scholarships established to attract top students to the School, the Toronto Alumni Professorship in Business Leadership, and the new Ivey Building.

Mr. Nixon joins an esteemed list of past Ivey Business Leader Award recipients demonstrating leadership in both business and their communities.

Jeff Orr
President and CEO of Power Financial Corporation

Jeff Orr, President and CEO of Power Financial Corporation received the Ivey Business Leader Award and addressed Canada’s most prominent business leaders at an annual gala dinner in Toronto on October 20, 2015.

Mr. Orr was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Power Financial in 2005 and is Chairman of a number of Power Financial subsidiaries, including Great-West Lifeco, London Life, Canada Life, Putnam Investments, IGM Financial, Investors Group, and Mackenzie Financial. Prior to his time at Power, Mr. Orr spent four years as President and Chief Executive Officer of IGM Financial Inc. He began his career with BMO Nesbitt Burns in 1981 where he ascended through the ranks to become their Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Vice-Chair, Investment Banking Group, Bank of Montreal.

“Jeff Orr personifies what it means to be a great business leader in Canada. He has had a successful career, and is also generous with his time and energy outside of the workplace,” said Bob Kennedy, Dean of the Ivey Business School. “Jeff continues to have a tremendous impact at Ivey. He provides thoughtful advice to school leaders, sits on the Advisory Council for the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership, and regularly engages with students. I am happy to recognize Jeff's success and many accomplishments with the Business Leader Award.”

Mr. Orr, an Ivey HBA ’81 alumni, is deeply involved in his community. He has been active with a number of organizations for many years, including Centraide (United Way) and the Museum of Fine Arts in Montreal and the United Way in Toronto. He is also a past Board member of the Hospital for Sick Children Foundation and the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto.

Mr. Orr also maintains strong ties to the School, having served on the Ivey Advisory Board since 2006, hosting alumni events and speaking at student functions.

“Jeff Orr was a natural choice to be named Ivey’s Business Leader of the Year,” said Kevin O’Brien, HBA ’93, Chair of the Ivey Business Leader Award Dinner. “He has not only built an incredible reputation as a talented business person, but also understands the importance of giving back to your community.”

The Ivey Business Leader Award was presented at a black-tie dinner on October 20th at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto. Proceeds from the annual event support the Ivey Alumni Network Toronto Chapter HBA and MBA Scholarships established to attract top students to the School, the Toronto Alumni Professorship in Business Leadership, and the new Ivey Building.

Mr. Orr joins an esteemed list of past Ivey Business Leader Award recipients demonstrating leadership in both business and their communities.

Bonnie Brooks, CM
Former President and CEO and Vice Chair of Hudson’s Bay Company

Bonnie Brooks, EMBA '08, former President and CEO and Vice Chair of Hudson’s Bay Company, will be the first woman to receive the Ivey Business Leader Award and will address Canada’s most prominent business leaders at the annual gala dinner in Toronto on October 30, 2014.

Ms. Brooks joined Canada’s pioneering retailer, Hudson’s Bay, as President and CEO in 2008 and was appointed to President of the Hudson’s Bay Company in 2012 when Lord & Taylor (USA) was rolled into Hudson’s Bay Company. Successfully engineering a major turnaround at The Bay over the past five years, she was named Vice Chair in 2014 – one more achievement in a ground breaking career in the retail fashion industry which spans over three decades and three continents.

“Bonnie Brooks is a visionary leader in her field. Always ahead of the curve, she has a knack for boldly seizing opportunities that many do not have the courage to pursue, while simultaneously anticipating trends that will change the competitive landscape in the medium term,” said Bob Kennedy, Dean of the Ivey Business School. “I am proud to say Bonnie is one of our graduates. She embodies so many of the leadership qualities we aim to develop at the School, and we are proud of her success.”

Prior to joining Hudson’s Bay Ms. Brooks served in several retail leadership positions, including President at Lane Crawford Joyce Group, the Hong Kong based retail giant with over 500 stores in Asia, between 1997 and 2008. Previously she held executive roles with Holt Renfrew Canada including Executive Vice President / General Merchandise Manager.

“Bonnie Brooks has a corporate reputation that is second to none not only in Canada but also internationally,” said Kevin O’Brien, HBA ’93, Chair of the Ivey Business Leader Award Dinner. “She has defined herself as an outstanding leader within an extremely competitive industry serving as an inspiration for the Canadian business community.”

The Ivey Business Leader Award will be presented at a black-tie dinner at Toronto's Ritz Carlton Hotel. Proceeds from the annual event have supported the Ivey Alumni Association Toronto Chapter HBA and MBA Scholarships established to attract top students to the School and the Toronto Alumni Professorship in Business Leadership, and will now support the new Ivey Building.

Ms. Brooks, an Ivey MBA graduate, is also Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Ontario Museum, a member of the Board of Directors of Empire Company Limited (Sobey’s), a member of the Board of Trustees for RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust and a member of the Foundation Board of CAMH.

George Cope
President and Chief Executive Officer of BCE Inc. and Bell Canada

Since assuming the CEO role at Bell in 2008, Mr. Cope has transformed Canada’s largest communications company with a strategy of investment in world-leading broadband networks, next-generation communications products for consumers and business, and leading Canadian content.

 Under Mr. Cope’s leadership, Bell launched an unprecedented charitable initiative called Bell Let’s Talk dedicated to the promotion of mental health across the country. Built on 4 pillars – anti-stigma, enhanced care and access, workplace best practices, and new research – Bell Let’s Talk is the largest-ever corporate commit­ment to Canadian mental health.

A telecommunications executive for more than 25 years, Mr. Cope served as CEO of Clearnet Communications, which successfully launched two national digital wireless networks before its acquisition in 2000 in the largest transaction in Canadian telecom history. As CEO of Telus Mobility, he successfully rebuilt the regional carrier into a national wireless competitor. He joined Bell in 2006.

A past recipient of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, Mr. Cope serves as 2013 United Way Toronto Campaign Chair, as a Director of the Bank of Montreal, and on the Advisory Board of the Ivey Business School. A 1984 Ivey HBA graduate, Mr. Cope was a member of the Western Mustangs varsity basketball team and received a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa degree at the 2012 Ivey Convocation.

Presented on October 29, 2013 by:

• Jill Denham, HBA ’83 (Dinner Chair)
• Robert Kennedy, Dean, Ivey Business School

Rick George
CEO, Suncor Energy Inc.

Mr. George was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Suncor Energy Inc. in 1991, and in 2012, held the Chief Executive Officer position of the company.

In 1999, he was named "Outstanding CEO of the Year" after leading a remarkable business turnaround at Suncor, and received the Canadian Business Leader Award in 2000. Mr. George was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in December 2007 for his leadership in the development of Canada's natural resources sector, for his efforts to provide economic opportunities to Aboriginal communities and for his commitment to sustainable development.

In 2008, Mr. George was inducted into the Canadian Petroleum Hall of Fame and was named Canadian Energy Person of the Year in 2011 by the Energy Council of Canada. He was also a member of the Calgary Committee to End Homelessness in 2007 and Chair of the 2008 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.

Presented on October 17, 2012 by:

• Paul Atkinson, HBA ’86, Managing Director, Southwest Sun Inc. (Dinner co-Chair)
• Jill Denham, HBA ’83 (Dinner co-Chair)
• Carol Stephenson, Dean, Richard Ivey School of Business

Ed Clark
Group President and CEO
TD Bank Group

Following TD’s acquisition of Canada Trust Financial Services in February of 2000, where Mr. Clark had been President and Chief Executive Officer, he joined TD as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TD Canada Trust. In this role, he oversaw the successful integration of the TD and Canada Trust banking operations.

Mr. Clark was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of TD in 2002. Since then the bank’s market cap has more than tripled in size and TD’s stock price is two and a half times higher.

Mr. Clark continues to serve in additional capacities as Chairman of the Board of TD Bank US Holding Company and its subsidiary banks, and also serves as Vice-Chairman of the Board of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation.

Mr. Clark’s rich history of success in the banking and financial services industry began in 1985, when he joined Merrill Lynch. Three years later he was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Financial Corporation, a position he held until he joined Canada Trust in 1991. From 1974 to 1984, Mr. Clark held a number of senior positions in the federal government.

Peter Munk

A well-known Canadian business leader and philanthropist, Mr. Munk built several international enterprises that have achieved outstanding success. Mr. Munk was founder of Barrick Gold Corporation, Horsham Corporation which merged and reorganized to form Trizec Properties, and instrumental in the creation of TriGranit Development Corporation, one of the leading property developers in Hungary and Central Europe. Trizec Properties was valued at US$5.4 billion when it was sold to Brookfield Properties in 2006.

Barrick Gold established a track record of rapid development since its formation with a standard of excellence that few other large companies can claim, regardless of industry sector. It is the only gold producer in the world with an A credit rating.

Mr. Munk's business strengths are evident in the dynamic growth of his companies as well as their entrepreneurial character and financial strength.

"Peter's track record of building strong and vibrant companies is equalled by his philanthropic spirit and commitment to giving back," said Carol Stephenson, Dean, Richard Ivey School of Business. "Peter is an exemplary role model for Ivey students. Through his entrepreneurial success and charitable support, he embodies the Ivey mission statement of thinking globally, acting strategically and contributing to the society in which you live."

"It is a privilege to honour Peter Munk for his accomplishments," said Tim Hockey, President & CEO, TD Canada Trust and Co-chair of the Ivey Business Leader Award Committee. "He stands for entrepreneurial character and corporate responsibility."

Created in 1991 by the Ivey Alumni Association/Toronto Chapter, the Ivey Business Leader Award honours individuals and organizations who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of business in Canada, and reflect the ideals of the Richard Ivey School of Business.

Mr. Munk's philanthropic outreach supports several important causes. He has made significant donations to establish a leading Centre for International Studies at the University of Toronto, the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre in Toronto, and the Centre for Research, Innovation and Technology at Technion University in Israel. Mr. Munk is former Chair of the University of Toronto Crown Foundation and served as a Trustee of the University Health Network in Toronto.

Mr. Munk was named to the Order of Canada in 1993 and was promoted to Companion of the Order in 2009. He was named Canada's Mining Man of the Year, co-winner along with Barrick's late Vice Chairman, Robert Smith, in 1993. He was named Comex Man of the Year; inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame in 1997, inducted into the Engineering Alumni Hall of Distinction at the University of Toronto in 1998 and received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship in 2002.

Mr. Munk has lived in Toronto for most of his life. He graduated in electrical engineering from the University of Toronto in 1952

Presented on October 20, 2010 by:

• Tim Hockey, EMBA '97, Dinner Co-Chair
• Karen Peesker, HBA '92, Dinner Co-Chair
• Kamal Gautam, MBA '04, Toronto Chapter Co-President
• Carol Stephenson, Dean, Richard Ivey School of Business

Richard J. Currie
Past Chairman, BCE Inc. and
former President, Loblaw Companies Limited and
George Weston Limited

From transforming Canada’s retail landscape to putting his stamp on BCE, Canada’s most widely-held company, Mr. Currie’s achievements and contributions to Canadian business are exemplary. He was President of Loblaw Cos. for 25 years, from 1976 to 2001 and of George Weston Limited from 1996 to 2002.

Mr. Currie most recently served as Chairman of the Board of BCE (Bell Canada) Inc., retiring in February 2009, after a business career spanning five decades. While he plans to step back from running companies, Mr. Currie will continue giving back to the community. Since 2003, he has served as Chancellor of the University of New Brunswick where he has developed the Richard J. Currie (athletic and convocation) Center. He has also generously endowed entrance scholarships, presently the most valuable in Atlantic Canada.

Under Mr. Currie’s leadership, the market value of Loblaw increased to more than $14 billion from $40 million. During his six years as President of George Weston Limited, its share price increased more than seven-fold to $124 a share from $16 a share, raising its equity value to almost $17 billion from about $2 billion. Mr. Currie has served on the boards of many educational and non-profit initiatives and has contributed generously to them. He has supported Chairs in Health Professions Education to the University Health Network and in Canadian Business History at the University of Toronto. He has endowed the position of Director of Education and Programming at the Art Gallery of Ontario and rebuilt the dining hall at the National Ballet School in Toronto.

Presented by:

• Tim Hockey, EMBA '97, Business Leader Co-Chair
• Karen Peesker, HBA '92, Business Leader Co-Chair
• Lisa Zhao, MBA '03, Chapter President
• Carol Stephenson, Dean

Watch the video of Mr. Currie's acceptance speech on October 14, 2009.

Dominic D'Alessandro
President and Chief Executive Officer
Manulife Financial

Mr. D’Alessandro’s accomplishments in the Canadian business scene and around the world are well known. Since becoming CEO of Manulife Financial in 1994, Mr. D’Alessandro has propelled the financial services company to its fourteenth consecutive year of record financial performance, resulting in Manulife being among the most profitable life insurance companies in North America.

He led the successful demutualization and conversion of Manulife to public company status in 1999, setting the stage for Manulife to become a world leader in financial services.

Nowhere was his business acumen and deal-making expertise more apparent than in the 2004 acquisition of John Hancock Financial Services by Manulife, the largest cross-border transaction in Canadian history at the time. The merger created the second largest life insurance company in North America and the fourth largest in the world at the time.

Being a good corporate citizen is an integral part of Mr. D’Alessandro’s convictions. Corporate gifts and sponsorships to Manulife’s communities have increased significantly during his tenure. Mr. D’Alessandro is personally involved in giving back and served as Campaign Chair for the Salvation Army capital campaign. He has also served as the Campaign Chair for the Greater Toronto United Way Campaign in 1998 and as a Co-chairman of the Corporate Fund for Breast Cancer Research Campaign in 1996. Currently he co-chairs the Montreal Neurological Institute’s fundraising campaign, a five-year, $40-million initiative to invest in people and expand facilities and services.

As well as other awards, Mr. D’Alessandro was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2003 and was named Canada’s Most Respected CEO for 2004 and Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year in 2002 by his peers for his contribution to business and the community. In November 2006, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper named Mr. D’Alessandro to the Advisory Committee on the Public Service of Canada, and in June 2006 appointed him to NAFTA’s North American Competitiveness Council.

Presented by:

• Tim Hockey, EMBA '97, Business Leader Co-Chair
• Mary Whittle, EMBA ’98, Business Leader Co-Chair
• Miles McDonald, EMBA '99, Chapter President
• Larry Wynant, MBA '72, Acting Dean

The 2007 Award was presented to the team of Claude Lamoureux and Robert Bertram.  As head of Teachers', Claude Lamoureux is responsible for overseeing the investment of the plan's assets and the administration of the pensions of 271,000 current and retired teachers in Ontario. Robert Bertram has been responsible for the investment management of the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan since 1990. He oversees the pension fund's investment activities including the real estate portfolio managed by its subsidiary, The Cadillac Fairview Corp., and the asset-mix and risk allocation for the total fund.

Presented by:

• Gilles Ouellette, HBA '69, MBA '70, Business Leader Co-Chair
• Mary Whittle, EMBA ’98, Business Leader Co-Chair
• Gail Rodwell-Simon, MBA '96, Chapter Co-President
• Carol M. Stephenson, Dean

Isadore Sharp
Founder, Chairman and CEO
Four Seasons Hotels Inc.

Isadore Sharp began his career in the construction business with his father, Max Sharp, following his graduation from Ryerson University with a degree in architecture. He founded Four Seasons Hotels in Toronto in 1960 and opened his first hotel on Toronto’s Jarvis Street.

Since this humble beginning, Four Seasons Hotels has expanded to become the finest and largest luxury hotel management company in the world – encompassing 70 hotels in 31 countries, with more than 20 properties currently in development. More Four Seasons properties are recognized as the best in the world by such publications as Condé Nast Traveler, and AAA Five Diamond Awards. Perhaps more importantly, Four Seasons is recognized by Fortune

The company’s success remains firmly rooted in four key principles: focusing on the affluent traveler, specializing in mid-sized hotels, managing properties in partnership with hotel owners, and investing in people as the brand’s most important asset.

Mr. Sharp’s influence also extends to his numerous philanthropic associations. He created a sponsorship program supporting the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope, in memory of his fourth son, Christopher, whose life was lost to cancer in 1978. Isadore Sharp is the founder of the annual Terry Fox Run, the largest single-day fundraising event for cancer research worldwide, having raised more than $400 million to date.

Mr. Sharp is a director at Clairvest Group, an honorary director of The Bank of Nova Scotia, as well as director of several charitable and humanitarian programs.

Presented by:

• Gilles G.G. Ouellette HBA ’69, MBA ’70, Business Leader Co-Chair
• Mary Whittle, EMBA ’98, Business Leader Co-Chair
• David B. DeNoble HBA ’99, Chapter President
• Carol M. Stephenson Dean

Peter Godsoe
Former Chairman and CEO
Scotiabank

Peter Godsoe was a key leader in the growth and success, both domestically and internationally, of Scotiabank. With an MBA from Harvard, Peter joined Scotiabank in 1966 as a teller trainee. He progressively climbed the ranks to the position of Chief Executive Officer in 1993 and Chairman in 1995 until his retirement in December 2003. Under his leadership, the bank grew from being the smallest of the Big Five banks in Canada to the number two position, with more than $300 billion in assets. With more than 2,000 branches and offices in 50 countries, Scotiabank serves 10 million customers and is the most international of the Canadian Banks. Under Mr. Godsoe’s direction, Scotiabank became the leading provider of financial services in the Caribbean, had the broadest Asian network of any Canadian bank, and was active in the Latin American. Mr. Godsoe is a past Chancellor of the University of Western Ontario and continues to offer his support to the Richard Ivey School of Business as a member of the Advisory Board. Through his dedication, creativity, vision and community spirit, Peter is one of the most respected amongst Canadian business leaders today.

Presented by:

• Gilles G.G. Ouellette HBA ’69, MBA ’70, Business Leader Co-Chair
• Barbara A. Wilkes HBA ‘74, MBA ‘76, Business Leader Co-Chair
• David B. DeNoble HBA ’99, Chapter President
• Carol M. Stephenson Dean

Gwyn Morgan
President and CEO
EnCana Corporation

Gwyn Morgan’s career encompasses more than thirty years of technical, operational, financial and management positions in oil and gas exploration. With a degree in mechanical engineering and several years’ experience working for a natural gas utility, Gwyn Morgan joined Alberta Energy Company Ltd. (AEC) in 1975. He rose to head of the oil and gas division and in 1994 became President and CEO. In 2002, AEC completed a merger with Pan Canadian Energy Corporation to become EnCana, one of the world’s largest leading independent oil and gas companies and Canada’s largest energy company, with an enterprise value of $30 billion. Morgan was appointed CEO to lead the merger of these two firms and he has done so with great success.

The legacy of leadership, achievement and inspiration that Gwyn has built during more than thirty years in business, as well as his commitment to his community and his country, is impressive.

Presented by:

• Barbara A.Wilkes, HBA ’74, MBA ’76, Business Leader Co-Chair and Chapter President
• Chuck Winograd, MBA ’71, Business Leader Co-Chair
• Jeffery Chaplin, HBA ’67, Chapter Co-President
• Lawrence G. Tapp, Dean

Harrison McCain
Chairman
McCain Food Limited

As co-founder and Chairman of McCain Foods Limited, Harrison McCain has directed the growth of the company from its small town beginnings to its status as the world’s largest producer of french fries. Along with his brother Wallace, Harrison built McCain Foods from a single plant frozen food processor in Florenceville, New Brunswick to one of the largest producers of frozen food in the world. There are few individuals who have had such a dominant leadership role in an industry sector, for such a sustained period of time.

As a respected businessman, Harrison has been recognized for his achievements, his societal leadership and his philanthropic spirit. He is a member of Ivey’s Advisory Board and is a Companion of the Order of Canada. Harrison is a member of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. He sits on the Council for Canadian Unity, Junior Achievement of Canada and is the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Gallery of Canada.

Presented by:

• Barbara A.Wilkes, HBA ’74, MBA ’76, Business Leader Co-Chair and Chapter President
• Chuck Winograd, MBA ’71, Business Leader Co-Chair
• Jeffery Chaplin, HBA ’67, Chapter Co-President
• Lawrence G. Tapp, Dean

Wallace McCain
Chairman of the Board
Maple Leaf Foods

Beginning in 1957, the McCain brothers, Wallace and Harrison, built McCain Foods from a single plant frozen food processor in Florenceville, New Brunswick to one of the largest producers of frozen food in the world. Today, McCain Foods Limited operates plants in 13 countries on five continents. Wallace served as the Chairman of the Board of Maple Leaf Foods since 1995, and led the acquisition and major restructuring of the company.

Today, Maple Leaf is Canada’s largest food processor and a global leader in the food processing industry, with $5 billion in revenues and exporting to over 80 countries around the world. Wallace is a member of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame and an Officer of the Order of Canada. He is also a Director of St. Michael’s Hospital Board, Wycliffe College, James Richardson International and Vice Chairman of McCain Foods. His dedication, creativity, vision and community spirit has made him one of the most respected businessmen in Canadian history.

Presented by:

• Barbara A.Wilkes, HBA ’74, MBA ’76, Business Leader Co-Chair and Chapter President
• Chuck Winograd, MBA ’71, Business Leader Co-Chair
• Jeffery Chaplin, HBA ’67, Chapter Co-President
• Lawrence G. Tapp, Dean

Purdy Crawford
Former Chairman
Imasco Limited

Purdy Crawford is the former Chairman of Imasco Limited, CT Financial Services Inc. and Canada Trustco Mortgage Company. Currently, he serves as the non-executive Chairman of AT&T Canada Corp. and is counsel at the law firm of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt. Mr. Crawford joined Imasco Limited in 1985 as President and Chief Operating Officer. In 1986 he became Chief Executive Officer, and in 1987 was named Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Crawford retired as Chief Executive Officer in 1995, but continued serving as non-executive Chairman until the sale of Imasco in February 2000. Prior to joining Imasco, Mr. Crawford was a senior partner with the law firm of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt, practicing primarily in the corporate / commercial area.

Presented by:

• James L. Hunter, MBA ’76, Business Leader Co-Chair
• Barbara A. Wilkes, HBA ’74, MBA ’76, Business Leader Co-Chair
• J. Jay Brown, HBA ’79, Chapter President
• Lawrence G. Tapp, Dean

Fairfax Financial Holdings
led by V. Prem Watsa, Ivey MBA ’74
Chairman of the Board

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a financial services holding company that has become Canada’s largest property and casualty insurance conglomerate. The evolution of this company from a relatively small financial company to the prominent position it holds today is an exciting story and a wonderful example of excellent business leadership.

In 1985, when Prem Watsa and his colleagues acquired Fairfax Financial, the shares traded at $3.25 each. Recently, the same shares closed at $515 – an outstanding increase in shareholder value. The capitalization of the company now exceeds $7.7 billion. Fairfax has earned an average annual return on shareholder’s equity in excess 20% since 1985.

Presented by:

• James L. Hunter, MBA ’76, Business Leader Co-Chair
• Barbara A. Wilkes, HBA ’74, MBA ’76, Business Leader Co-Chair
• David R. Weiner, MBA ’85, Chapter President
• J. Jay Brown, HBA ’79, Chapter President
• Lawrence G. Tapp, Dean

Paul Desmarais
Chairman of the Executive Committee
Power Corporation of Canada

Paul Desmarais, a Canadian business visionary, is recognized for his groundbreaking achievements both in Canada and abroad. In 1968, his vast experience led to the control of Power Corporation Canada, a major Canadian conglomerate. Mr. Desmarais organized the premier Canadian trade delegation to China in 1978. His outstanding leadership led to the first ever investment by the Chinese beyond their borders. A deeply committed Canadian, Mr. Desmarais and his family are significant contributors to many philanthropic causes.

Presented by:

• James L. Hunter, MBA ’76, Business Leader Co-Chair
• David R. Weiner, MBA ’85, Chapter President
• Lawrence G. Tapp, Dean

Frank Stronach
Chairman
Magna International Inc.

Frank Stronach is the founder and Chairman of Magna International Inc., one of the world’s largest and most diversified suppliers of systems and components. Magna International was transformed from the merger of Mr. Stronach’s Magna Electronics Corporation and Multimatic Investments Limited in 1969. In 1971, Mr. Stronach introduced his management philosophy to Magna, known as Fair Enterprise. It is based on a Charter of Rights, which predetermines the annual percentage of profits shared between employees, management and investors – making every employee a shareholder in the company. These rights are enshrined in a governing Corporate Constitution.

Presented by:

• Ronald D. Charles, MBA ’71, Business Leader Chair
• Colley E.D. Clarke, HBA ’81, MBA ’87, Club President
• Lawrence G. Tapp, Dean

Jean C. Monty
President & CEO
Northern Telecom Limited

Jean Monty’s legacy during his leadership at Nortel has been the transformation from a North American operation to a global enterprise. Mr. Monty is credited with taking one of Canada’s few high-tech multinationals and repositioning it atop the fast-forward telecommunications sector. With Mr. Monty at Nortel’s helm, the company’s revenue increased by 50% to US$12.8 billion, earnings per share grew at a rate of 22.5% a year, the share price doubled to $122 (NTL/TSE), and exports from Canada tripled. Nortel now operates in 150 countries and has 68,000 employees.

An outstanding field commander, who inspires his troops with strong leadership, Mr. Monty achieved much of his success early on at Nortel by focusing on customer satisfaction, employee morale, and technology.

Presented by:

• Ronald D. Charles, MBA ’71, Business Leader Chair
• Colley E.D. Clarke, HBA ’81, MBA ’87, Club President
• Lawrence G. Tapp, Dean

R. John Lawrence, Ivey HBA 1956
Deputy Chairman
Nesbitt Burns Inc.

Jack Lawrence has been a leading executive in Canada’s securities industry, guiding his firm through the industries’ most significant restructuring in history. Throughout his career, Jack has been best known as a proponent of the bond market. Mr. Lawrence joined Fry & Co. in 1962 where he rose to the position of President & CEO in 1967. He became President & CEO of Fry Mills Spence in 1971. After the merger with Burns Brothers, he was appointed President of Burns Fry Limited in 1976 and was appointed Chairman & CEO of Burns Fry Holdings Corporation in 1990. In 1994, after the merger with Nesbitt Thomson, he was named Deputy Chairman of Nesbitt Burns.

Presented by:

• John C. Caroll, HBA ’56, Business Leader Chair
• Kevin E. Yousie, HBA ’77, MBA ’80, Club President
• Adrian B. Ryans, Dean

Robert E.M. Nourse, Ivey MBA 1964
President & CEO
The Bombay Company

Bob Nourse founded The Bombay Company of Canada and opened the first store in Toronto in 1980. Under his leadership The Bombay Company grew to 432 stores and more than 6,000 employees in Canada and the United States, with net sales of US$318 million for 1994. Mr. Nourse guided The Bombay Company to its successful listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 1993. Later that year, Inc. Magazine voted him "Entrepreneur of the Year," calling the firm "America's hottest company."

Mr. Nourse holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School and a DBA from Harvard. After nine years as a professor at Ivey and after holding the position of Chairman of the MBA program, in 1976 he left academia to become a venture capitalist and an executive with Venturetek International Ltd.

Presented by:

• Brian W. Jones, HBA ’72, MBA ’74, Business Leader Chair
• Kevin E. Yousie, HBA ’77, MBA ’80, Club President
• Adrian B. Ryans, Dean

Cedric E. Ritchie
Chairman
The Bank of Nova Scotia

Cedric Ritchie served The Bank of Nova Scotia faithfully for half a century. To put his career into perspective, when he joined the bank as a clerk in 1945, the bank had operations in eight countries, employed 3,300 people and had assets of $613 million. Mr. Ritchie rose to the position of President & CEO in 1972 and in 1974, became Chairman. Through his leadership, the bank had expanded into more than 40 countries, with 33,000 employees worldwide and $132 billion in assets. His legacy of growth and success continues to this day at Scotiabank.

Presented by:

• C. Garth MacGirr, MTC ’77, Business Leader Chair
• James L. Hunter, MBA ’76, Club President
• Adrian B. Ryans, Dean

John C. Carroll, Ivey HBA 1956
President & CEO
Molson Breweries

As President of Molson Breweries, John Carroll was charged with dramatically improving market share, efficiency, and profits. Mr. Carroll was responsible for Molson’s successful turnaround during his stewardship. By acquisition and outstanding marketing, Molson emerged with $2 billion in sales and the number one share of the intensively competitive brewing business in Canada in 1991. Mr. Carroll led his staff through the complicated merger of Molson Breweries and Carling O’Keefe, delivering savings and efficiencies to better compete in the North American marketplace.

A true leader, John’s greatest strength is his ability to lead teams, make decisions, and mobilize people. His is committed to the philosophy that people are more important than products in building or transforming businesses. Mr. Carroll became a mentor to many who went on to leadership roles in business and their communities.

Presented by:

• C. Garth MacGirr, MTC ’77, Business Leader Chair
• James L. Hunter, MBA ’76, Club President
• Adrian B. Ryans, Dean

John M. Thompson, Ivey SMP 1983
Chairman & CEO
IBM Canada Limited

John Thompson has been a key leader in the transformation of IBM Canada. Mr. Thompson is the recipient of the inaugural Business Leader of the Year Award. He has consistently demonstrated his leadership in all facets of IBM’s growth in Canada over the past five years.

Mr. Thompson joined IBM in 1966 where he held a number of professional and management positions. He was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of IBM Canada in 1986, and Chairman in 1987. In 1991, he was promoted to Vice President, Marketing and Service Strategy of IBM Corporation at the company’s world headquarters in New York.

Presented by:

• C. Garth MacGirr, MTC ’77, Business Leader Chair
• James L. Hunter, MBA ’76, Club President
• Adrian B. Ryans, Dean