View the full announcement from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce below.
Photo credit: Canadian Chamber of Commerce
[OTTAWA] — [March 7, 2024] — Perrin Beatty today announced that he will leave the Canadian Chamber of Commerce on August 31, 2024. His announcement starts a process of leadership renewal on the cusp of the Chamber’s 100th anniversary in 2025.
“This is an opportunity for both the Canadian Chamber and for me to focus on how we can contribute most in the years ahead. I’ve been grateful for every minute here,” says Beatty.
Beatty is the longest serving of the Canadian Chamber’s Presidents. During his 17 years as President and CEO, he has strengthened the organization, leaving a solid base for his successor to build upon.
The COVID-19 pandemic, during which the Canadian Chamber provided critical support for the business community and served as a key advisor to governments, led to a major rebuilding of the Canadian Chamber’s mandate and structure. As the country emerged from the crisis, the Canadian Chamber focused on how the organization could best serve Canadians.
Chamber 2025, the strategic plan produced by this review, has driven the strongest growth in the organization’s history. “Chamber 2025 transformed our organization, making it more relevant and more successful than ever before,” says Beatty. “Not only have we added new tools and services for Canadian businesses and chambers and boards of trade across the country, but we have grown substantially, doubling our revenues over just the last four years.”
“Along the way, we have modernized our governance structure, built a skilled and respected team, strengthened our grassroots network of chambers and boards of trade and provided a strong and influential voice for Canada’s business community.”
It’s important to keep the momentum going, says Beatty: “I’m proud of what our team has accomplished together, but we can’t stop here. As we prepare to celebrate the Chamber’s 100th anniversary next year, we need an unwavering focus on the future. The next CEO will bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to that process.”
Candace Laing, Chair of the Board of Directors, says the Board is grateful for Beatty’s extraordinary record of service to both the Chamber and the country: “He is a relentless believer in the Canadian Chamber Network’s power to act as a united voice to support success for every size and sector of business. And he’s remarkable in his work with a huge range of stakeholders in that he always builds partnerships that will benefit not just business, but all of Canada.”
Beatty is leaving the Canadian Chamber in a particularly strong position, says Laing. “The Board and the Chamber team take enormous pride in their work. Our new President and CEO will have the privilege of working with a very strong team to ensure a great future for Canadian businesses. And they’ll be doing that at a time when the Canadian Chamber has more influence and greater impact than ever before.”
A Special Committee of the Board, led by Penny Wise, Vice Chair of the Board, will conduct the search for the next President and CEO using a recruitment firm. The Board’s goal is a smooth transition. “This is an unparalleled opportunity to lead an agile organization that is transforming and growing to deliver more to its members,” says Wise. “We’re determined to harness the momentum to make the Canadian Chamber even more relevant to the next generation of business leaders.”
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