Carolyn J. Clark, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Carolyn Clark has an extensive career in the Hospitality industry with over 30 years experience.  Carolyn has been Senior Vice President, Human Resources for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (formerly Canadian Pacific Hotels) since May 2005. Prior to her current position, she held the position of Vice President, Human Resources since 1988. Carolyn has also held various senior positions with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts since 1974 including: Executive Director, Human Resources; Corporate Director, Personnel; Manager, Recruitment & Training; Supervisor of Recruitment; and Executive Search Consultant.

As a result of the progressive Human Resource initiatives that have been implemented with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, the Company has been recognized for the 8th consecutive year as an “Employer of Choice” as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. In addition, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts was recognized as one of Canada’s 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures and was recently awarded the “Best Initiative in Hotel Management Training” by the 2009 Worldwide Hospitality Awards for our Leadership Development Program.

In 1999, Carolyn was awarded the Educator of the Year at the Ontario Hostelry Institute Gold Awards.  And, most recently, in January 2010, Carolyn was granted an Honorary Degree in Hospitality Operations Management from the Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts, George Brown College. 

Ms. Clark graduated from York University with a B.A. in Sociology and has completed courses from the University of Toronto, School of Continuing Studies in Compensation Management and Labour Relations Management.

Her affiliations include: Board of Directors, Canadian Hospitality Foundation; Conference Board of Canada; Council of Human Resources Executives; Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM); Fellow, Ontario Hostelry Institute; and Board of Directors, Canadian Tourism Human Resources Council (CTHRC).

Bob Hakeem, Senior Vice-President, People Division, Wal-Mart Canada Corp.

Len Jillard, Senior Vice President, People Resources and Chief People Officer McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada

Len began his career with the company in 1972 in London, Ontario as a crewperson. He has worked in a number of mid and senior management positions throughout the Canadian operation including Regional Director of People Resources, Toronto. Len also spent 3 years, from 1995-1997, with McDonald’s Mexico as the Senior Director of Operations.

In January 2002, Len became Vice President of the Western Canada Region, overseeing all aspects of the Western Canadian operation.  In 2005, Len was named to his current role as Senior Vice President, People Resources and Chief People Officer, in which he is responsible for carrying out the McDonald’s People Promise to value each and every employee across the country.  Most recently, Len took on the added responsibility of overseeing McDonald’s in Wal-Mart, where he leverages his relationship management skills and strategic business sense to build this area of the business.
 
Len has always made it a priority to dedicate his time and expertise to McDonald’s charitable efforts, serving on the Ronald McDonald House in London, Ontario for more than seven years and as a member of the Society for Ronald McDonald House Vancouver.

Gene Lewis, Country Managing Director - Canada Intuit Global Business Division

With more than 25 years of experience developing brands and building businesses in Canada, the United States and the UK, Gene Lewis joined Intuit Canada as the director of sales and marketing in early 2007. Dedicated to solving what really matters for customers, employees and shareholders, he provides strategic direction to help his team set and reach targets for all products and services across Intuit’s Global Business Division – from customer-centric software solutions to an improved end-to-end experience.

Gene previously held executive roles at Rogers Communication, Molson and Northern Financial, among other leading companies. In each of his roles, Gene has demonstrated his talents in management and mentorship, brand development and customer acquisition, earning him a reputation as a natural leader and a keen sales, marketing and communications strategist.

Originally from Smiths Falls, Ontario, Gene is a graduate of York University. He currently resides in Toronto.

Donna McNicol, Senior Vice-President, Human Resources, TELUS

Donna McNicol is a recognized leader in human resources management, with extensive experience and knowledge of human capital issues in large, complex and start up organizations.  Donna joined TELUS in 2006 and is currently responsible for the company’s HR operations, strategy and business support as well as recruitment and development of TELUS’ global team of 35,000 employees.

Her leadership role includes overseeing the HR components of corporate restructuring to leverage growth opportunities, streamline management spans and layers, and implement processes that drive operational efficiency.  Donna is a member of numerous senior management working groups such as those responsible for achieving enterprise-wide synergies, integration strategies flowing from mergers and acquisitions, emergency preparedness and business continuity, and team member engagement.  She also serves as TELUS’ Respectful Workplace Officer and oversees the company’s diversity and employment equity initiatives.

Donna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Psychology (Cooperative Education Program) with a minor in Physics from the University of Waterloo, Ontario and is a certified Senior Human Resources Professional with the Human Resources Professional Association and a member of the Society of Human Resources Professionals.

She currently sits as the Canadian Carrier representative on the GSMA’s Human Resources Council and has served on the board of the Children’s Aid Foundation and the Human Resources Council of York University.  Donna was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women in 2005 and Madison’s Who’s Who in 2010.

Nicholas Mutton, Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Administration, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Nick brings over 40 years of hotel management experience to Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Upon graduation from University College Birmingham hotel school in England in 1969, Nick joined a medium sized hotel company in London as management trainee, working up to Senior Assistant Manager by 1971 when he joined Skyline Hotels International as Personnel Manager to open 2 Five Star hotels in London in quick succession.

After transferring with Skyline to Canada in 1975, Nick had operational assignments as Hotel Manager in Toronto and General Manager in Ottawa.

His affiliation with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts began in early 1980 as Hotel Manager in Edmonton. Promoted quickly to Ottawa for 9 months, he then became Hotel Manager in Toronto for 18 months. General Manager in Ottawa followed in early 1983 and subsequently Calgary, Vancouver and Seattle. Promoted to Regional Vice President in 1987, in this capacity Nick managed the Four Seasons Olympic, Seattle, as well as overseeing the company’s hotels in Western Canada and the West Coast of the US. In 1989, Nick was appointed to RVP and General Manager at The Ritz Carlton, Chicago (a Four Seasons Hotel) with operating responsibilities for hotels in the US East Coast, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

In late 1997, Nick was promoted to Senior Vice President, Operations, Americas with expanded responsibilities carrying various corporate roles including operating and quality standards, technology, corporate training, pricing and yield strategy, as well as spa operations.

In 2003, Nick was promoted to Executive Vice President Human Resources & Administration, with responsibility for all the people and culture issues of 36,000 employees in 34 countries worldwide.

Living in Rosedale, Toronto, married to Rosemary and with two children, R.J. and Christie, Nick loves wing-shooting, fly-fishing and fast cars.  Nick is a director of the Canadian Opera Company and the Canadian Opera House Corporation; is a member of the MIG Cabinet of the Toronto United Way; a member the International Advisory Board of Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne; the Governing Committee of the International Tourism Partnership, International Business Leaders Forum; and a Board Member of the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program.  He is also a member of the Patient Safety and Quality Committee of Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, and serves on the Board of Metrolinx.

Mark Pacinda, President, Boston Pizza International

Mark Pacinda, President of Boston Pizza International Inc. (BPI) since 2002 and appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2009, oversees the performance of Canadian operations and manages the executive team responsible for defining BPI’s strategy, objectives and business planning.  The company has more than 330 locations across Canada and operates in the U.S. and Mexico under Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza, where it has more than 55 restaurants to its name.

Pacinda joined BPI as Executive Vice President in 1997 to lead the company’s expansion into Eastern Canada where he has overseen 150 store openings since that time.  Pacinda also opened a regional corporate office in Mississauga, Ontario, which continues to play a crucial role in the building of Boston Pizza’s presence in Eastern Canada.

Since Pacinda joined the company, Boston Pizza has experienced phenomenal growth.  A regional corporate office in Laval, Quebec was established in 2004 to manage the chain’s expansion into that province.  The coast-to-coast chain generated $831 million in sales in 2008 and has a 10 year annual average same store sales growth of 5.7% serving over 40 million guests last year.

Prior to Boston Pizza International, Pacinda was President of Arby’s International, a U.S. fast-food chain specializing in roast beef sandwiches, where he was responsible for the company’s operations in 12 countries worldwide.  He also held several senior management positions with Pepsi Co., including Chief Financial Officer for the South Pacific region.

Pacinda currently serves as a Director of the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association.  He is also a Director of the Boston Pizza Foundation, a registered charitable organization that has raised more than $8 million for Canadian charities including the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Kids Help Phone and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

He earned a Masters of Business Administration from the University of New York and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Southern Connecticut.

Mark lives in Oakville, Ontario with his wife Debbie and their two children, Joanne and Ryan.  In his spare time, he enjoys golfing and spending time with his family.

Ferio Pugliese, Executive Vice President, People, WestJet

Ferio Pugliese became WestJet's Executive Vice-President of People on June 11, 2007 and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the airline's people (human resource) programs for the company's more than 7,300 WestJetters. Ferio and his team diligently define and execute people plans that support WestJet's culture and strategic direction.

A certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP), Ferio holds a Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University, an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Windsor. Ferio is a member of the Conference Board of Canada's National Human Resources Executive council and has worked in various senior leadership roles. His experience includes facilitating organizational effectiveness and business transformation as well as implementing positive employee relations, talent management and compensation programs that recognize and leverage talent at all organizational levels. Prior to joining WestJet, Ferio's previous roles included Vice-President of Human Resources at Catalyst Paper Corporation in Vancouver, Director of Human Resources Development at Windsor Casino Ltd., and Director of Human Resources Development at Casino Rama, Carnival Resorts and Casinos.

In 2007, Ferio was recognized by Caldwell Partners as one of Canada's Top 40 Under 40. With a passion for business, Ferio believes in always pushing your comfort zone and believing in yourself and the people around you, so that together you can reach new heights. Originally from Northern Ontario, Ferio loves the great game of hockey. As avid skiers, Ferio, his wife Pam and two children Nicholas and Nathan are enjoying life in Western Canada. Ferio's favourite WestJet destinations include Nassau, Maui and Vancouver.

Marc Tellier, President and CEO, Yellow Pages Group

Marc P. Tellier is President and Chief Executive Officer of Yellow Pages Group, Canada’s largest directories publisher, and Chief Executive Officer of Trader Corporation, a Canadian leader in print and online vertical media. He was previously President and CEO of Bell ActiMedia, a company acquired through the most important leveraged buyout in Canadian history.

As head of Yellow Pages Group, Mr. Tellier completed the largest-ever initial public offering in the income trust sector in Canada in 2003. In 2005, he led the $2.55B acquisition of Advertising Directory Solutions Holdings Inc. in Western Canada, creating a national platform for directories that was further strengthened in 2006 with the acquisition of MTS Media, the largest directory publisher in Manitoba, as well as with the acquisition of Aliant Directory Services in the Atlantic Provinces in 2007.

In 2006, he also completed the acquisitions of Trader Media Corporation in Ontario and Classified Media (Canada) Holdings Inc. in the rest of Canada, creating a second national platform, this time in vertical media.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Tellier was an officer of Bell Canada and served as Senior Vice President - Partnership Development. He was responsible for the launch of the first telco commercial high-speed Internet service in North America. He also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sympatico-Lycos.

Marc P. Tellier began his career at Bell Canada in 1990 after graduating from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. In less than a decade, he has become a key player in the expansion and transformation of the Canadian communications and media industries.

In 2000, Mr. Tellier was named one of Canada's Top Forty under Forty™. Mr. Tellier is a member of the Board of Directors of National Bank of Canada, Yellow Pages Association (YPA), and of Ste-Justine Hospital Foundation. Mr. Tellier is also on the Advisory Board of Canada's Top Forty under Forty and of Students on Ice. He is also a member of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives.

Mary-Alice Vuicic, Executive Vice-President, Human Resources and Organizational Development, Shoppers Drug Mart

Mary-Alice Vuicic joined Shoppers Drug Mart in July 2007, as Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Organizational Development and was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2008.  Shoppers Drug Mart is a publicly-traded company on the TSX with $9B Cdn annual sales, over 1,000 locations employing over 45,000 employees. It is Canada’s largest retail drugstore company and the number one provider of pharmacy products and services.  In this role, Mary-Alice is responsible for participating as a member of the executive committee and overseeing the HR function as the company pursues an aggressive growth and diversification strategy.

Prior to joining Shoppers, Mary-Alice was the Vice President, People, for Wal-Mart Canada from 2002 to June 2007.  Wal-Mart Canada is the country’s fifth largest employer with over 70,000 employees and $15B in annual revenues.  In this role, Mary-Alice was responsible for participating as a member of the executive committee, leading the HR department and participating in numerous national and international initiatives. While she led the HR function, Wal-Mart received numerous awards and recognition including Canada’s 50 Best Employers in 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2003, Canada’s 25 Most Admired Corporate Cultures in 2007, 2006, and 2005 and the JVS Employer of the Year – Diversity in 2006. 

From 1996 to 2002, Mary-Alice was the Vice President, Human Resources and Organizational Development, for Chapters/Indigo, Canada’s largest book retailer with over $700M Cdn in annual sales and over 7,000 employees.  From 1991 to 2005, Mary-Alice was the National Human Resources Manager – Compensation, Benefits and Health and Safety, for Wendy’s Restaurant of Canada, a division of Wendy’s International.  Mary-Alice has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Windsor, an Advanced HR Certificate from the University of Toronto, an Advanced Management Program Certificate from Harvard Business School and is a Certified HR Professional.

Mary-Alice actively supports community, professional and political associations. She has participated on a number of cancer-related charities, is currently on the Retail Council of Canada HR Board, the HR Professionals Association of Ontario Editorial Board, the local Conservative Party Executive and actively supports the Out of Cold homeless shelter program.