Author Archives: PFM Search

Rick Hart – Associate Vice-President, Communications for the University of British Columbia (UBC)

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PFM Executive Search welcomes Rick Hart as the new Associate Vice-President, Communications for the University of British Columbia. This follows an intensive and inclusive search process with a Selection Committee led by UBC’s Vice President, External Relations.

Rick is well positioned for success as the new AVP Communications having joined UBC in 2013 as the Director of Brand and Marketing Communications, before becoming Senior Director, Brand and Marketing, in 2018. During this time, Rick was involved in a number of key initiatives such as the recent “The Potential is Yours” brand marketing campaign, the launch of UBC Connects, the creation of UBC’s Brand Leadership Council and the launch of the UBC Strategic Plan.

A Sauder School of Business graduate, Rick has also held senior positions at a number of global integrated communications agencies during his 20-year career, in Canada and the UK.

The AVP, Communications oversees UBC’s central Communications portfolio, comprising Brand and Marketing, Internal Communications and Media Relations. The role is a key part of the External Relations leadership team — collaborating and strengthening alignment in communications and marketing across UBC as a whole.

PFM Executive Search created a collaborative search process involving various key stakeholders and partner groups inside and outside the university. We are delighted Rick was the successful candidate given his breadth of marketing-communications experience and the depth of understanding he brings through his six years at UBC.

PFM Executive Search is recognized as a leader in working with diverse selection committees in the Higher Education Sector. The firm brings a global reach to each and every assignment in the post-secondary field and ensures an open and transparent search & selection process for our university clients.

Rob MacKay-Dunn – Vice President, Government & Public Affairs for the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA)

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Following an extensive national search, PFM is excited to announce that Rob MacKay-Dunn has joined the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) as the Vice President, Government & Public Affairs.

The position was newly created by the leadership of the organization and supported by the Board of Directors to support the strategy of promoting and elevating the Waterfront Industry to all levels of government.

Rob comes to the BCMEA from the Urban Development Institute (UDI) where he served as the VP, Government & Public Affairs. Prior to joining UDI, Rob worked for the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and as Chief of staff to a number of Senior Cabinet Ministers of the BC Government.

PFM wishes Rob all the best in his new role!

Our firm is recognized as a leader in executive search and has been working with some of the most prominent Canadian private, public and not-for-profit sector clients over the past 27-years. We are known for our ability to recruit senior leaders from around the world to top management positions.

PFM Team Volunteers at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank

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PFM Executive Search strives to make an impact at the community level by supporting a diversity of organizations that make a difference. In December 2019, as part of our Winter/Christmas Social Impact Initiative, PFM was excited to volunteer at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) warehouse in Burnaby.

GVFB’s Vision is “Accessible, healthy and sustainable food for all.” They focus on sharing food (bought and donated) to those in need all throughout the year but they are especially busy during the Christmas period.

We all know that Christmas can be a very difficult and challenging time for many. To help spread some Christmas cheer and contribute to the spirit of giving, PFM Staff spent an afternoon sorting through large volumes of fresh produce, canned goods, pastas, etc. at the GVFB warehouse, to be shipped out shortly to their hubs for distribution to those in need. It was amazing to see the sheer volume of food that they manage and it was impressive to see their operations.

PFM was delighted to volunteer at the GVFB warehouse helping to sort through food and in turn getting this out to the community in a timely manner before Christmas. We wish everyone at the GVFB a wonderful Christmas and a safe and happy new Year!

The GVFB always appreciates new volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering with the GVFB, please go to https://foodbank.bc.ca/get-involved/about-volunteering/

Celebrating the 2019 alumni UBC Achievement Awards

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PFM Partner, Shelina Esmail, along with other PFM staff and spouses, recently attended the 2019 alumni UBC Achievement Awards, where seven inspiring members of the UBC community were honoured. Shelina currently sits on the alumni UBC Committee.

Congratulations to the 2019 recipients!

For more information, please go to: https://www.alumni.ubc.ca/events/awards/

Nominations are now open for the 2020 alumni UBC Achievement Awards. To nominate, please go to: https://www.alumni.ubc.ca/events/awards/nominate/

Adrian Scovell – President & CEO for Automotive Retailers Association (ARA)

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PFM Executive Search is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors of the Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) has chosen Adrian Scovell as the new President & Chief Executive Officer effective October 1st. As the Association’s next leader, Scovell will craft and execute a vision and strategy for the ARA that maintains its values of creating solutions while working collaboratively with stakeholders and driving its purpose of “igniting the engine of a vibrant BC economy.” Adrian joined the ARA in 2010 following a diverse career with some of Canada’s most respected companies—IKEA, Rogers Video, and Belron (parent to Speedy Glass). He moved through the ranks and built skills in operations, marketing, negotiations, and business development. Along the way, he won two Marketer of the Year awards, among others, and sat on several boards of various charities and working groups. Congratulations Adrian on being appointed following a comprehensive search process.

PFM Executive Search is a recognized leader in senior leadership recruitment and is known for its ability to facilitate large and complex Selection Committees in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Over the past 27-years, PFM has recruited senior leaders from all over the world.