Richard Bélanger, B.Admin.

Richard Bélanger is a seasoned business advisor with extensive management experience and over 20 years of experience in executive recruitment.

Before joining Leaders International, he founded RBA (Richard Bélanger & Associates) in 1999 in Toronto and opened an office in Montreal in 2001. He also led another executive search firm based in Toronto. He carried out more than 350 mandates, both for SMEs and multinational corporations, particularly in the areas of sales, marketing, communications, investments, public relations and government affairs.

Previously, he was President of a subsidiary of an important retailer and distributor generating $100 million in revenues with over 800 employees. He also held important roles as a member of the management team of this Canadian leader in consumer products. Throughout his career, he has been involved in all aspects of sales, marketing, promotion and public relations.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with majors in Marketing and Management.

Michael Eagar,

Mr. Mike Eagar is an executive search professional with experience across Canada. He has been a member of the Indigenous and Diversity search practice and Ottawa team at Leaders for over 8 years. He has completed over 200 executive search assignments at the Director, Executive Director, Vice President, President, and C-suite levels spanning across multiple industries including retail, engineering, academia, government, and non-profit to name a few.

Prior to joining Leaders International, Mike’s work experience ranges from retail to insurance and includes roles in the inspection and engineering departments of various industries. This varied experience provides him with a strong basis for research, analysis, project management, information technology, and customer service. He has held leadership roles on the organizing committee for the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race and the Chemical Engineering Student Society at the University of Ottawa. Mike holds a Master of Business Administration from Royal Roads University.

Richard Joly, MBA

Richard Joly leads a brilliant career in upper management recruiting. An expert in strategic business management, he has vast expertise in consulting for Boards of Directors and CEOs, and is well versed in the assessment of Board effectiveness and in the search for executive talent.

Mr. Joly possesses an extensive and diversified business network, and he can leverage in-depth knowledge of leadership talent management and development. His excellent reputation in the industry gives him a powerful edge to attract the best candidates.

Since 1997, Mr. Joly has managed over 350 senior executive recruiting assignments for national and multinational corporations, large and medium-sized businesses, start-ups, and private and publicly traded companies.

Mr. Joly is renowned for his expertise in consulting with Boards of Directors and selecting effective board members. During his career, he has conducted over 150 Board evaluations and he is a recognized speaker and a reputed lecturer for the Université Laval corporate directors’ certification program. He gives corporate governance training for companies that wish to form a Board of Directors and makes recommendations to help Boards achieve greater effectiveness.

Prior to founding Leaders International, Mr. Joly was a senior partner with Korn/Ferry International and he served as Managing Partner at the Montreal office of The Caldwell Partners International, two leading worldwide executive search firms.

As the President of Leaders International, Mr. Joly, backed by a solid managerial team, has positioned the company among the best in the recruitment industry. He is the co-founder of two prestigious corporate awards in Quebec: The Korn/Ferry-Revue Commerce Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance and The Korn/Ferry-L’Actualité magazine Corporate Citizenship Award.

Mr. Joly holds an MBA from the John Molson School of Business.

Tony Kirschner, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., CPHR, ICD.D

Tony brings a comprehensive range of business, management, human resource and consulting experience to the firm’s Vancouver office. Tony first became active in executive search in 1988, when he was hired by a major U.S. recruitment firm out of Chicago. He lived and worked in the U.S. where he also completed his Ph.D. before returning to Canada in 2003. Prior to joining the firm, Tony held senior HR management positions with several B.C. health authorities, as well as with a North American environmental assessment company. He is an active member of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of BC and possesses the CPHR certification.  Tony was raised in Vancouver but received his university education in the U.S. where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at DePaul University and a Master’s and Ph.D. in Communication at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Tony spent time as a Professor in Maryland before returning to Vancouver and executive search. Tony enjoys the active west-coast lifestyle, spending his free time skiing, hiking, running and cycling with his family and three sons. He has participated in the cycling fundraiser Ride to Conquer Cancer five times and is dedicated to raising funds for cancer research. Tony serves on the Board of Directors for Family Services of Greater Vancouver and for Family Services of Greater Vancouver Foundation.

Ardyce Kouri, B.A., M.A.

A partner in the Edmonton office and a key member of the team since 2004, Ardyce is known for her outstanding commitment to clients. She has brought her comprehensive HR knowledge and business experience to search assignments in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to joining the firm, Ardyce worked in both Toronto and Prague as the National President for AIESEC Canada, and in recruitment for the ING Group’s Czech Republic office.  Ardyce holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alberta and a Master’s degree from Royal Roads University. She is an active member of the community and sits on the Board of Directors for AIESEC Canada. She enjoys spending time with her family, and two active young sons and no matter where her travels have taken her, she remains a passionate Edmonton Oilers fan!

Cynthia Labonté, MBA
Global Practice Leader – Consumer, Retail and Luxury

Has over fifteen years of experience assisting senior executives, boards and public organizations in executive recruitment. Previously led an Executive search practice with a team of Managers and Senior Consultants, for a leading Canadian competitor.

She has carried out more than 250 assignments of C-Suite executives, for major organizations and renowned firms operating in FMCG, retail, distribution, and professional services. Has held different key positions in the retail, manufacturing and banking industries. These experiences allow her to have a strategic and operational vision with regards to efficiency and performance, in line with the issues and corporate objectives of her clients. Her thoroughness and analytical skills, combined with her approach as a business partner, are important assets allowing her to acknowledge the uniqueness of clients and meet their needs by implementing added-value sustainable strategies.

MBA from ESG-UQAM and MBA from Université Paris-Dauphine

Member of the Retail Council of Canada.

Greg Longster, B.Com., M.B.A.

Greg’s Professional experience dedication and passion for executive search has helped him build a reputation for delivering excellence since opening the firm’s Vancouver office in 2007.

Greg brings a comprehensive range of skills and knowledge to his role as Partner of our Vancouver office with an extensive background in strategic sales management, communications, and business development.  Prior to joining the firm, Greg spent 15 years in senior and executive management positions in the financial services industry, giving him firsthand experience in human resource management plus a unique understanding of organizations’ HR needs.

Greg obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree with majors in Marketing and Finance from the University of Saskatchewan, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Royal Roads University with a focus on Executive Management.  He is a former Chair of the Marketing Association for Credit Unions and a member of the BC Human Resource Management Association.  He sits on the Board of the University of Saskatchewan Alumni Association and is an active member of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) Vancouver Chapter.

Allan Nelson, B.Com., CMA, FCMA

Allan is currently one of two Managing Partners of Leaders International.  He joined Davies Park and founded the Calgary office in 1997 and subsequently worked closely with his Partners to expand the business from two offices in Edmonton and Calgary into Vancouver, Toronto and Saskatoon. Through 2017-18 he played a key role in the merger of Davies Park with Leaders International further expanding the national presence to include Montreal, Ottawa and Winnipeg. Allan is also a founding member of the Private Equity practice group for Penrhyn International, our leading global network of executive search firms.

For over two decades Allan has loved the business of executive search.  Nationally recognized for his strong business acumen and leadership competence, he has developed excellent relationships and a substantial network with Boards and key executive leaders in a number of industries and sectors across the country.  His vast experience not only includes Board recruitment but also working with local and international clients to source and attract exceptional leadership talent to their organizations.  Allan takes great satisfaction in working with our national team of Partners, Consultants and Researchers to source and attract the perfect candidate for each and every engagement.

Prior to joining the firm, Allan held senior positions in leadership, operations and sales management with a variety of Canadian corporations.  He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CMA/CPA).  In 2002, he was honored to receive a national fellowship proudly adding the designation of FCMA/FCPA.  Allan enjoys spending time with his family, including his six grandchildren.  He loves being involved in the community and continues to serve on a number of volunteer boards.

Yanouk Poirier, B.A., MBA

Yanouk Poirier is an entrepreneur at heart who has created and grown several businesses. His varied career reinforces his passion for entrepreneurship and allows him to fully grasp the reality of new business leaders and entrepreneurs.

As a Partner at Leaders International, Mr. Poirier brings his entrepreneurial expertise, multifaceted profile and talent for communication to help national and international business leaders to achieve their business strategies. He is also Global Practice Leader for the Technology, Media & Telecoms (TMT) group for our global network, Penrhyn International, Mr. Yanouk Poirier has over 20 years of professional experience in different sectors of economic activity, such as professional services, finance, media and information technology. He has successfully led numerous assignments of top level executives and board members, for major companies and renowned firms.

Mr. Poirier is actively involved; he sits on the Board of Directors of the Ballet Jazz of Montreal, Club St. James and the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. He is also a mentor for Enablis, an organization providing assistance to entrepreneurs in developing countries.

Mr. Poirier holds a MBA from the Université de Sherbrooke and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a major in International Relations from the Université du Québec à Montréal, as well as a degree in Management and Entrepreneurship from HEC Montréal.

Anurag Shourie, M.Sc., C.H.R.P., CMC

As a highly experienced executive search consultant, Anurag is an integral part of the Leaders International leadership team. A strategic thinker, he has been keenly involved in the firm’s growth since 1997 and has recruited entire executive teams for multiple client organizations. He has also worked closely with numerous boards of directors from government, industry, and the not-for-profit sector to identify and recruit key board members. In 1994, Anurag entered the field of human resources and management consulting, and his experience includes executive recruiting, career counselling, and coaching. He is highly knowledgeable in contract development and alternate compensation strategies and has consulted in change management. Anurag obtained his master’s degree from the University of Alberta plus formal training in recruitment and hiring from Simon Fraser University. He is a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources. He currently sits on the Board of Covenant Health Foundation. He is also a member of a National CEO Forum Group.

Nicholas Lay, B.A., M.Sc.

Nick joined Leaders International in 2015 and brings a far-reaching international consultancy background to the Vancouver office. Born and raised in the UK, he completed his B.A. at the University of Manchester and M.Sc. at the London School of Economics. While based in London, he spent two years as a professional Soccer Analyst, before immigrating to Canada and becoming entrenched in professional recruitment between North America and East Asia. Now a Consultant with Leaders, his focus is dedicated end-to-end executive search ownership across a wide range of private and public sector organizations, and areas of expertise.

Laurie Sterritt, Partner, Indigenous and Diversity Search Practice, she is a values-based leader with over 30 years’ experience in the fields of Indigenous, government and community relations.

Laurie has a passion for creating economic and social change with the participation of companies, governments and communities that have normally been at odds. Inspiring connections that lead to balanced and thoughtful partnerships, Laurie is known for her commitment to influencing diversity and inclusion within corporate Canada. She’s worked across the natural resources sectors including electric utilities, mining, forestry and LNG and has supported education and training initiatives with and for 100+ First Nation communities.

Active in her community, Laurie was the founder and producer of the Indigenous Women’s Leadership Summit (2018 and 2019)—a national gathering of Indigenous women who lead at all levels and in all sectors. Laurie is a Director for Denison Mines Corp. and former board appointments include the Canadian Centre for Arts and Technology (CANCAT), the British Columbia Institute of Technology (1st Vice-Chair), the Industry Training Authority and the Real Estate Council of BC.

A member of the Kispiox Band of the Gitxsan Nation, Laurie holds a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC and a Certificate in Professional Fund Raising.

Shalini Bhatty,

Shalini Bhatty is a Partner based in our Calgary office and has held a variety of roles with Leaders (and Davies Park) since 2005. She began her executive search career in Toronto and has partnered with clients across Canada to successfully execute search assignments in the financial services, energy, private equity, technology, post-secondary and not-for-profit sectors. She also led the in-house talent acquisition function for an international energy company during a time of significant growth. With an extensive network of executives and senior leaders, Shalini builds strong candidate relationships and leads client engagements as a trusted advisor to identify and attract top talent into key roles.

Shalini holds a Bachelors degree from Western University and is a designated HR professional (CPHR). She has lived and worked all over the world, growing up in India, the Middle East and the United States before moving to Canada and settling in Calgary with her family.

John joined Leaders International in 2020 and brings more than 20 years’ experience in executive and professional search. With strong business acumen and broad based experience, he is able to successfully perform senior leadership searches for our clients in a variety of industries and sectors, both private and public. Most recently John has led and  executed leadership engagements in the technology, energy and construction industries.

As the founder of two successful search agencies, John is an entrepreneur, bringing both expertise and enthusiasm to each assignment he undertakes. He has developed deep roots in the business community and is well known as a connector of dots and people. John is a professional, able to quickly establish credibility and rapport, allowing him the ability to identify key individuals to help drive his client’s success.

John holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political Science from the University of Calgary. Since graduation, John has spent countless hours coaching community soccer and driving countless miles for his children’s dance competition.  He is very active in the local tennis community, working with the AGCTC charity and is completing his level 1 tennis coaching certificate.

Ryan Vanjoff, MBA

Ryan Vanjoff, Principal, is based in our Saskatoon office. He has conducted numerous searches for senior leadership positions for clients (including Boards of Directors) in the public and private sectors. Ryan is experienced with many forms of board governance models and leverages his strategic management experience and communication skills to lead search processes to successful outcomes.

Ryan graduated from the Smith School of Business at Queen's University with a Master of Business Administration degree. He also holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance and Marketing from the University of Saskatchewan. Ryan coaches minor hockey and runs & maintains the outdoor rink at Ecole River Heights School in Saskatoon and is the President of the River Heights Community Association.

Joy Beshie

Ms. Joy Beshie is a Senior Consultant with Leaders International Executive Search. She has collaborated with clients across Canada to develop search strategies and attract executives at the President, Director, Executive Director, and C-suite levels. Based in Ottawa, Ms. Beshie has strong experience placing leaders in academia, government, and private sector companies. She has been a member of the National Indigenous and Diversity practice for the last 5 years.

With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, Ms. Beshie brings a unique lens to her searches and strives to create a process that is fair and free of bias. She is on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee at Leaders International. Her previous experience focuses on research, design, sales, and management. She also brings experience in graphic design and photography where her work was featured by various organizations and is used in-house to create custom designs for our clients.

Ms. Beshie was the recipient of the M.P. Mike Wallace Citizenship Award in Burlington, ON for services to the community and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Ottawa and is currently studying for her Bachelor of Commerce at Athabasca University.

Heather Fookes, B.A., M.L.I.S., CRA

Heather joined Leaders International (Formerly Davies Park) in 2008 and is responsible for directing the research on all of Leaders’ search assignments in Calgary. Heather is an information management professional with more than15 years’ experience researching and executing on competitive intelligence, due diligence, business development, and executive recruiting projects. She is highly skilled at sourcing and communicating with prospective candidates, finding the best resources for generating relevant names, and creating a detailed list of targeted prospects. Heather has built a significant cross-Canada database of key contacts for our firm, which she continually updates. The database provides research for executive and senior professionals in such industries as energy, power, manufacturing, construction, engineering, and post-secondary education. She has participated in many of Leaders’ most complex searches and enjoys the challenge that search provides. Heather is a credentialed Librarian with an Honors degree in History from the University of Calgary and a Master of Library and Information Studies from Dalhousie University. She recently led an initiative to qualify Leaders’ search associates with the Certified Researcher Associate (CRA) designation from the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC), and obtained the CRA qualification in early 2014. Heather has four children and she and her husband enjoy spending time with family. She loves nature, Thai food and Thailand and is an avid walker.

Maria Icaza, Consultant.

Maria holds more than 12 years of professional experience in executive search. She has collaborated with Partners on senior manager roles up to C-Suite positions in the manufacturing, consumer, retail, pharmaceutical, industrial and professional services industry.

Born and raised in Mexico City; she has done some assignments in Latin-America, in Europe, in Canada and United States. She has the ability to find and attract high-caliber talent. Loves interacting with people and learning new things every day. Committed to her work, clients and assignments, she adapts very well to every environment. Enjoys being part of the Leaders team!

In her free time, she enjoys meditating, writing, and reading.

BAC in Marketing from Universidad del Valle de Mexico.

Bilingual: Spanish, English and French (development)

Katy Gottfriedson-Jasper is a Senior Consultant with the Indigenous Markets Team. As a previously elected Council Member for Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, serving nine years (three consecutive terms), Katy has held various portfolios for her community, including Human Resources, Finance, Lands, Leasing & Taxation and Economic Development.She brings with her the passion for advancing Indigenous communities nationwide. Before joining Leaders, Katy lent her time as the Deputy Chair for the First Nations Finance Authority for eight years and chaired and participated on many internal committees and boards for her nation and community.

She is currently the Vice-Chair and Director for the Board of Governors at Thompson Rivers University and a Board Member for the All Nations Trust Company.

She holds a Human Resource Management Certification from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. She is currently in her final year of studies at Simon Fraser University, completing an MBA focused on Indigenous Business Leadership.

In keeping with Katy’s primary focus, joining Leaders has ensured that her career decisions focus on inclusivity and progress for all Indigenous peoples across Canada.

Sonny Kapoor, B.Sc.

Sonny joined Davies Park in 2011 and is responsible for sourcing and evaluating the candidacy of senior level executives both nationally and internationally for our clients. An experienced recruitment professional, his goal is to ensure clients are presented with the best talent, no matter the industry. Sonny entered executive search in 2007 and offers a diverse perspective given his international and North American recruitment experience in a variety of businesses and industries including accounting, finance, engineering, sales and the hospitality industry. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management at Widener University in the United States. Sonny enjoys playing cricket, squash, traveling and spending time with his family.

Morgan Maguire, B.A., J.D.

Morgan has a range of experiences as an executive and lawyer with a demonstrated history in the technology sector. Morgan has a strong background of leadership and management skills in all facets of business, including finance, human resources, operations, product management, database management, business development and customer success.

Prior to joining Leaders, Morgan was the CEO of a legal technology company that built and operated legal research products, including a market leading legal research product for international investment arbitration. Morgan articled at a leading full-service law firm in Vancouver and is a member of the BC Law Society.

Morgan was born and raised in Vancouver, but received his university education in Eastern Canada where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History at McGill and his Juris Doctor at Queen’s University. Morgan has served as a board member for two Vancouver non-profit organizations. He is an expert skier and a former member of the BC Alpine Ski Team. He, his wife and two daughters are dedicated Vancouverites that enjoy immersing themselves in the city and the west-coast lifestyle.

Leo McPeak,

Leo brings over 15 years of global recruitment experience to the Leaders International Vancouver office with the last half decade covering technology and heavy engineering sectors across North America. Having worked in all corners of the globe, Leo has gained a wide range of cultural and professional experience which gives him a unique global perspective of finding and attracting key talent to Canada.

He has a wealth of experience in various industries including Engineering, Real Estate Development, Technology, Construction, Mining, Retail, Architecture & Design, and Manufacturing. Leo has joined as a new business leader within leaders International with the aim of further establishing Leaders International as the executive search firm of choice.

Wendy Romanko

Wendy is an executive leader with over 25 years of human resources management experience. Her public sector career began with Alberta Treasury Board and Finance in 1998 while completing her degree. Wendy believes in fully leveraging the organization’s most valuable assets—the people. She is known for her solid reputation in developing trusted and lasting relationships with employees/clients, stakeholders, and the HR community. She had a successful public service career as the Vice President, Human Resources with Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC) where she spent over 20 years in senior and executive HR roles. During Wendy’s tenure, AGLC was named Alberta’s Top Employers for 6 years and celebrated the organization’s highest employee engagement scores.

Wendy’s extensive human resources background provides clients with leadership, recruitment expertise while offering additional HR insights and coaching. Wendy has a Bachelor of Commerce degree with distinction, majoring in Human Resources Management. She is also a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and received a Premier’s Award of Excellence team recognition in strategic planning.

Wendy has a passion for travel and has toured many parts of southeast Asia, Mexico, Europe and the US. She dedicates time to her personal fitness by working out regularly, skiing, and outdoor activities.

Laura Youngberg, B.A., M.B.A., CHRP, CCP, CRA

Laura joined the Calgary office in 1997 as Director of Research. Now a Senior Consultant, she brings tenacity, commitment, and creativity to all aspects of the search process. A Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) and a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Laura has experience working across a variety of professional disciplines, industries, and sectors and enjoys the challenge of finding candidates with the specialized talent her clients require. Laura completed a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration from the University of Alberta. She was born in Edmonton and has lived in Calgary for many years. She has two wonderful daughters, an adorable rescue Chihuahua, enjoys reading, walking, skiing and loves spending time with her family and friends sharing good conversation, food, and wine.

Diana Ly

Diana is a multi-disciplinary professional who brings expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategy development, organizational design, feasibility analysis, policy development and business planning. Fluent in English and Cantonese, Diana has supported many organizations as a strategy development advisor. She has worked with private and public sectors clients across broad industries and leads collaborations, bringing together stakeholders from different groups and perspectives to create a common goal and a shared vision. She offers a unique combination of leadership, clarity and confidence. In all she does, Diana is passionate about creating meaningful connections and measurable results.

Diana holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Alberta, and a Certificate in Leadership from Harvard Business School. Diana currently serves as Vice-Chair on the Board of Boyle Street Services Society, University of Alberta Alumni Advisory Council and NAIT’s JR Shaw School of Business Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program Advisory Committee.

Julian Manchon,

Julian joined Leaders International (Formerly Davies Park) in the summer of 2015 after completing his BA in Industrial Relations at McGill University. As an integral part of our Vancouver team, Julian brings a polished and professional voice to each search. He is responsible for ensuring key search assignments are executed according to timelines, and with the utmost efficiency and quality. He assigns the appropriate associate and search assistant to work on each search and directs the overall search strategy.

Julian is proficient in French and Spanish, and you can expect to have a conversation with him about soccer or travel when he is not focused on the task at hand.

Robin Noftall, BA, TESL

Robin is a Senior Search Associate with our Vancouver office and has experience with the organization since 2008, holding a variety of positions including Director of Research at our Edmonton office. She is responsible for the initial and middle phases of the executive search process, focusing on industry-specific research to identify and evaluate qualified executives and professionals to present to clients. Robin has a passion for search and recruitment, previously participating in international searches and placements. She exhibits a strong work ethic and a commitment to the executive search process, having executed a range of searches in a variety of sectors. Robin is thorough, energetic and detail-oriented, and has demonstrated success in generating a high number of quality candidates and interest in executive opportunities. Her strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop solid rapport with clients and candidates make her a perfect fit for Davies Park. Robin holds an Honors Bachelor’s degree from Lakehead University in Ontario and two certificates in teaching English as a Second Language, with a specialization in teaching business English. Before joining the world of executive search, Robin spent many years as a successful recruiter for a variety of organizations and was also a Head Teacher Trainer in Japan, where she lived for three years following university. Robin is a member of the Lakehead University Alumni Association and enjoys contributing to philanthropic initiatives. She enjoys competing and participating in athletics and strives to remain active in her community.

Chloe Fenton, BA, MSc

Chloe Joined Leaders International in 2022 becoming the new Project Manager at the Vancouver office.

Chloe moved to Vancouver from Cork in Ireland where she completed her first degree, a BA in Economics and Psychology.

She then went on to complete a Master’s in Management and Marketing in University college cork.

Chloe’s hard work and communication skills have been a strong addition to the Vancouver team.

She provides support to clients, candidates, partners, and consultants throughout the recruitment process.

She enjoys travelling, playing sports and relaxing with friends.

Samantha Peloso joined the Montreal office in 2020 as a Business Analyst. Her minor in Law and Society allowed her to explore all facets of Law while studying her true passion, Human Relations. Throughout Samantha’s studies, she developed an interest in recruitment.

She now has the pleasure of offering professional opportunities that will change candidates’ lives while meeting the business needs of different clients. Her goal is to create long-term partnerships between candidates and clients.

In her free time, she enjoys bringing people together over good food and wine.

Florence Simoni is a Consultant in the Montreal office. She stands out for her dynamism and quick-wittedness. Passionate about executive search, she is determined to find the best candidates no matter the challenge.

Florence holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in industrial relations from Université de Montréal. She is a member of the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agrées as a certified industrial relations counsellor (CIRC).  During her studies, she worked as a teaching assistant for various undergraduate and graduate courses.

In her spare time, she is involved in fundraising for various non-profit organizations and is a member of the Board of Directors of the real estate management family business.

Melissa Conn, Search Associate, joined the Leaders Indigenous Markets Team in 2022. She brings nearly ten years of administration experience and a keen attention to detail. Prior to joining Leaders, Melissa worked in Learning and Development and Sales Administration.

Melissa has been involved in employment equity, diversity and inclusion, and employee engagement committees in her previous work. Her strong sense of connectedness and curiosity is a welcome addition to the team. Melissa’s academic career continues as she progresses towards a diploma of human resources management through uWinnipeg PACE.

She is Red River Métis with family from Camperville and St. Eustache, Manitoba. She enjoys beading and spending time outdoors camping, hiking and cross-country skiing.

Chelsey joined Leaders International in 2018 as a Search Associate in the Calgary office.   Working collaboratively with the Leaders team, she aids in the beginning stage of the executive search process, concentrating on the discovery of well-aligned and qualified executives and professionals through industry-specific research.  Chelsey is passionate about research and enjoys spending time learning about the various leadership roles and industries to assist her in finding and sourcing the best-qualified candidates for the searches she is involved in.  As a generalist, Chelsey has provided excellent support in a number of industries/sectors including post-secondary, manufacturing, distribution, construction, high tech, financial services, energy, real estate, not-for-profit and municipal.  Her strong work ethic and attention to detail enable her to work efficiently and have propelled her to become a value-added member of the overall Leaders team.

Chelsey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management and an Associate Degree in Architectural Technology from Brigham Young University. Outside of work, Chelsey loves to spend time with her family and enjoys an active lifestyle.

Deepthi Koshy

A former entrepreneur, Deepthi is a Search Associate with Leaders International and a corporate business networker, with a focus on building solidified internal and external stakeholder relationships. She is also a small business support and solutions professional and a strong community advocate. Deepthi successfully led and established various global Bollywood driven business initiatives in Canada.

Including the first Bollywood inspired group dance fitness program called ‘Bollyrobics’ in North America in 2003. ‘Bollyrobics’ was successfully represented on Canada CBC’s Dragons Den, CTV, CBC Radio, Alberta Prime Time, Women's Health Magazine. She was also a nominee for Alberta Women Entrepreneur in 2015. She worked for the Royal Bank of Canada as a Business Accounts Manager where she had the opportunity to assist and build corporate relationships with small business owners within the Alberta community, by providing financial solutions with regards to their credit risk.

A systems analyst with a bachelor’s degree in business information systems from University of Lincolnshire, UK, she challenges and thrives in complex environments where change and stabilization are required. Her innate enthusiasm for business development (new market entry) and community growth has also guided her globally through diverse industries.

She is a diligent professional with passion, persistence, drive, and determination to help organizations succeed and see communities grow. Deepthi is excited about hosting key-note events, networking, and is driven when it comes to sponsorship, social innovation, and community development projects. She is a passionate Indian classical traditional dancer and an ardent business blogger!

Saxon is a Search Associate with the Indigenous Markets Team and Winnipeg office. He occupies space on Treaty 1 Territory and his heritage connects to Keeseekoowenin First Nation on Treaty 2 land. In 2018, he graduated from The University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and a Bachelor of Business Administration. His studies focused on geographical perspectives of Indigenous history, as well as concepts of natural resource development, security, history, and international development. By studying a mobile subject such as human geography, Saxon is able to view the world through multiple lenses and offer analysis from various standpoints. This has guided him in his academic and professional endeavours by providing different viewpoints on complex issues and projects. Prior to joining the Leaders Team, Saxon honed his craft in academic, policy, and sports governance realms.

He is an avid sports fan who has played ice hockey since the age of five. Outside of the workplace you will likely find him doing and constructing crossword puzzles, watching hockey, or reading a good book. Saxon brings a positive outlook to the team, as well as a high level of critical thinking skills and a desire to make better leaders in the world.

Jennifer is a Search Associate with the Indigenous Markets Team and based in the Winnipeg office. Joining Leaders in 2020 as a Client Services Administrator, she has over 18 years of administrative management experience in a professional office setting. Jennifer was raised most of her life on the East Coast of Canada. This has played a huge role in her being a very approachable and pleasant individual. Jennifer is always willing to assist team members in various capacities, making a positive mark for our team, especially our clients. Jennifer’s years of experience as an office and account manager has given her the ability to wear many hats and roll with the punches while keeping a very positive attitude. She has extensive experience in supporting mid and senior-level managers by providing them with consistent administrative and operational support. Jennifer is very active in the life of her small-town community club in rural Manitoba, where she can be found volunteering and keeping things organized.

Jacknick Travas, B.Com, MBA

Jacknick Travas is a Bachelor of Commerce graduate and has a Masters In Business Administration with a major in Project Management from Kaizen School of Management. He is Green Belt certified and has completed Black Belt projects for leading clients.

Jack started his career in Training & Development & Human Resources in 2001 with a multinational company and has worked globally across many countries providing his expertise to various clients in the Philippines, United States, Australia and the United Kingdom for leading Blue Chip and Fortune 500 companies.

As an Executive Search Associate with Leaders International, Jack is involved in managing various recruitment projects in executive, senior management and technical in various industry sectors. He is highly skilled at sourcing and communicating with prospective candidates, finding the best resources for generating relevant names, and creating a detailed list of targeted prospects. Jack is a motorcycle enthusiast who enjoys travelling and loves spending time with his wife in Edmonton.

Jessica Park

Jessica joined the Leaders International Edmonton office in 2022. She is a highly capable and competent business administrative professional with affluent experience in public accounting and financial industry.

She embraces growth mindsets as a lifelong learner who constantly pursues new challenges with a natural curiosity about the world. Jessica has completed two business diplomas, one in Accounting from SAIT and another in Human Resources from NAIT. She is expected to complete her Bachelor of Business Administration (with a major in human resources) from NAIT in 2023.

Jessica was born in Seoul, South Korea and lived in Calgary for many years before moving to Edmonton in 2020. She enjoys golfing, skiing, and spending time with her husband and two young sons and is an avid traveler.

Svetoslav Vartigov joined the Montreal team in 2021 as a Business Analyst. Passionate about human resources, research and technology, he cumulates nearly ten years of experience in customer satisfaction, member services and human resources in various organizations.

Holder of a bachelor’s degree in industrial relations from the University of Montreal and a member of the CRIA since 2020, he recently discovered a passion for executive recruiting.

During his studies at the University of Montreal, he worked in the real estate field on a provincial level in a customer relations position with a heavy technology component. Mr. Vartigov also completed a professional internship at Canada’s first OHS research center, the Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail (IRSST), where he was able to hone his skills in scientific research and analysis. Besides his professional and academic achievements, Svetoslav’s collaborators often define him as a calm and motivated person who quickly gains trust and respect. He contributes a wide range of talents and experience to Leaders International, and is known for his adaptability, candour, and resilience. Svetoslav is fluent in English, French and Bulgarian.

Robin has worked in a variety of organizational structures in Canada and Europe. With an ability to adapt and a holistic view, Robin will offer you the best support for your various projects.

With years of diversified recruitment and consulting experience, Robin joined the Leaders International team in 2021.

Robin holds a Bachelor of Laws as well as a Master of Human Resources and Personnel Management. His studies have taught him thoroughness as well as an excellent understanding of various corporate organization issues. He continues to learn while obtaining various certifications (D&I Sourcing, Leadership).

Robin began his career with the recruitment of consulting engineers in the energy, industrial and construction sectors. He then worked in the search and internal recruitment of one of Canada’s leading Human Resources services companies. He was also team lead for the creation and development of the Canadian Red Cross Talent Acquisition Department.

With a passion for corporate strategy, he joined Leaders International in the search of executives and Board members.

Wenda Lee Cameron,

Ms. Wenda Lee Cameron, Project Manager, with over 15 years of administrative experience in a professional office setting. Ms. Cameron enjoys the meticulous nature of anything administrative and takes joy in exceeding expectations. Ms. Cameron joined our team in 2017 and brought with her the skills and experience to multitask and meet time-sensitive deadlines.

Prior to joining us as a Client Services Administrator, Ms. Cameron provided outstanding customer service in a fast-paced business environment. Ms. Cameron’s perceptive nature allows her to be a pro-active team member and in turn, give exceptional service to our clients.

Kathy Chandra,

Kathy joined Leaders (formerly Davies Park) in 1991 and has watched it grow from one office in Edmonton with three employees to four offices as across Canada with over 30 staff. Kathy enjoys working with a team of dedicated professionals.

As Office Manager for the Edmonton office of Leaders, she is responsible for the smooth operation of the day-to-day business operations. She enjoys the everyday challenges of being part of the Leaders team.

Lorna McGinley, B.Comm

Lorna joined Leaders International in 2021 and brings a passion for Project Management.

Reared in Ireland, she completed her B.Comm, specializing in Human Resource at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Lorna’s strong sense of community and interpersonal skills have been a welcome addition to the team.

She provides support to clients, candidates, partners, and consultants throughout the recruitment process.

She enjoys sea swimming, football and anything that will get her outdoors.