Author Archives: PFM Search

Relocating Back to Canada – Tips for Finding an Executive Position Back Home

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Last week Allan Nichols, CEO of The Canadian Expat asked PFM Partner, Shaun Carpenter, to provide his insights for Canadians abroad that may be looking to move home. The interview addresses some of the obstacles and perceived risks Canadians face in their job search after living and working overseas for several years.

If you are an executive looking to move back home to Canada, PFM Partner Shaun Carpenter has 6 tips to optimize your success:

  1. Address the cost of moving. If you are willing to incur the cost of moving yourself, be clear and upfront about this. Include in your Cover Letter that you are not opposed to paying for your own relocation.
  2. Be clear of your citizenship. Indicating your Canadian citizenship in your CV or Cover Letter will also help eliminate the perceived time delay of hiring you over a local candidate.
  3. Do not assume Canadians will be familiar with the overseas organizations you worked for. Provide a detailed summary outlining the size, annual revenue, business focus, ownership, geographical span and reporting structure. This allows for anyone reading your CV to make comparisons to Canadian companies and see how your experience aligns.
  4. Do not limit your CV to one page. The one-page rule is a myth. Being too brief on your CV may not give a full picutre of your experience.
  5. Do your research. Find out who the major Executive Search players are in the region you would like to work and reach out, make a personal connection. Submit your CV and be clear on your objectives and timeframe.
  6. Do more research. Look into companies in the industries you are most interested in. Understand who they are, who’s on the executive teams, and where you might bring the most value. When you’re asked about which companies are on your radar, it will be clear you have done your research.

You can watch the entire interview here:

Royce Chwin – President & Chief Executive Officer for Tourism Vancouver

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PFM Executive Search is delighted to announce the appointment of Royce Chwin as Tourism Vancouver’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 13, 2020.

Following an extensive global search to fill the role, Royce’s impressive experience in senior positions at both federal and provincial tourism organizations, combined with his keen business acumen from leading teams in the private sector, made him the top choice for the job.

Royce joins Tourism Vancouver from Travel Alberta, an award-winning provincial crown corporation responsible to market Alberta worldwide. He was appointed CEO in 2014 and under his leadership the organization was recognized for several best corporate culture awards as well as multiple global marketing awards for the “Remember to Breathe” campaign, among others. Prior to his role at Travel Alberta, Royce held leadership roles at Destination Canada (then called the Canadian Tourism Commission) and has extensive business experience in the private sector with marquee brands including Starbucks and Boston Pizza International.

PFM Executive Search 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.

Virginia Cullen – Chief Administrative Officer for the Resort Municipality of Whistler

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PFM Executive Search is pleased to announce that Virginia Cullen has been appointed as the new Chief Administrative Officer of the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), effective April 20, 2020. Virginia will lead the team of staff and operations of the RMOW. The position also builds and maintains key relationships with other levels of government, as well as with resort and external partners.

Most recently Chief Operating Officer for BGC Engineering, Virginia brings two decades of leadership experience managing large teams and complex projects. She has established successful operations and financial reporting processes, strategic planning and development frameworks and progressive employee and community engagement.

PFM Executive Search 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.

Norman Napoleon – Director, Community Partnerships for Mowi Canada West

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PFM Executive Search is pleased to announce that Norman Napoleon has been appointed the newly created position of Director, Community Partnerships for Mowi Canada West. Norman will lead the team responsible for developing and executing Mowi’s First Nations community engagement, consultation and agreement process.

As a former Councillor of the Saulteau First Nations, with leadership experience in the Oil & Gas and Forest Industry sectors, Norman comes to Mowi with extensive experience in developing relationships, working with and negotiating complex agreements.

 PFM Executive Search 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.

Stephanie Jones – President for the B.C. Marine Terminal Operators Association (BCMTOA)

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PFM Executive Search is pleased to announce that Stephanie Jones has been appointed President of the B.C. Marine Terminal Operators Association (BCMTOA).

Stephanie will work on behalf of the BCMTOA Board of Directors and members as the voice of marine terminals operating at British Columbia Ports and Canada’s Pacific Gateway. She will act as a key collaborator and liaison to many marine transportation sector industry associations and stakeholders including the B.C. Maritime Employers Association; the B.C. Chamber of Shipping; and the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council. Furthermore, Stephanie will lead the association’s advocacy and public affairs work with relevant municipal, provincial, and federal government agencies and port authorities.

Stephanie has extensive background working with member-based organizations in senior public affairs roles and has experience in organizational governance and strategic planning. She has worked with national organizations and governments at a municipal, provincial, and federal level.

“We are very pleased to welcome Stephanie to the BCMTOA team,” said Brad Eshleman, Board Chair BCMTOA. “We feel fortunate to find such an experienced candidate who will enhance our industry’s voice and ensure we seize the opportunities and address the challenges that lie ahead.”

Stephanie joins the BCMTOA from the Ambleside Dundarave Business Improvement Association (ADBIA), where she has served as Executive Director since 2016. She previously held a number of senior positions with Restaurants Canada where she developed and led communications and government relations strategy within the province of Ontario, and represented the industry nationally on food supply. Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a Master’s in Business Administration from McMaster University.

About BCMTOA

Established in 1963, the BCMTOA’s mandate is to ensure the economic and environmental viability of B.C.’s marine terminals, and to invest in and promote the value of the port industry to local communities, the province and the nation. The association is the voice for the majority of direct employers operating port terminals on B.C.’s west coast.

PFM Executive Search 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.