FEI Canada: The 2015 "Aces of Finance" Competition is open!

MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - Dec. 1, 2014) - The Québec Chapter of Financial Executives International Canada, an all-industry professional association for senior financial executives, is delighted to launch the 2015 "Aces of Finance" competition for a fifth year. Open to members and non-members, the competition aims to raise awareness of the role and importance of financial executives in organizations by highlighting the professional achievements and community engagement of three individuals in the following categories: Financial executive of a large corporation, Financial executive of a small or medium-sized enterprise and Emerging financial executive.

Candidates have until February 16, 2015 to submit their nomination form. The finalists will be announced on April 7, 2015, and the winners, selected by a jury comprised of five independent high-profile individuals who have distinguished themselves in the financial community and have many years of experience, will be revealed at a gala event to be held on May 7, 2015 in Montréal.

The honorary chairman of this year's competition will be the Honorable Michael M. Fortier, PC, Vice Chairman at RBC Capital Markets, and former Minister of Public Works and Government Services, International Trade and the region of Montreal. Throughout his career, Mr. Fortier has worked primarily in the financial, legal and political fields and has served as senior advisor with several investment banking firms in Canada and the United States.

In a context in which organizations are constantly evolving and are subject to many different obligations, financial executives are responsible for maintaining the company's performance. In addition to being accountable for sound management, they must exercise good judgment, be rigorous and have a strategic vision that delivers on its objectives. These skills enable them to assist chief executive officers in strategic planning and provide support in addressing the company's management and governance issues. The "Aces of Finance" competition shines a spotlight on the outstanding professional achievements of financial executives and the key role they play in organizations.

"Over the years, the 'Aces of Finance' competition has become a premier event in the financial sector," said Louis Marcotte, President of the Québec Chapter of Financial Executives International Canada. "It reflects the skills and expertise of Québec financial executives. Year after year, I'm always amazed by the performance and ability of financial executives to tackle the challenges in their organizations."

2015 Homage Award

For the fourth consecutive year, the Québec Chapter of Financial Executives Canada will present the "Aces of Finance" Homage Award to a financial executive who has demonstrated excellence throughout his or her career. The 2015 recipient of this prestigious award is Robert Coallier, MBA, Chief Executive Office of Agropur Cooperative. With a bachelor's degree from McGill University and an MBA from Concordia University, Mr. Coallier has some 30 years of management experience in a variety of sectors, including consumer products and retail. He held executive roles at Molson from 2000 to 2005 and at Dollarama from 2005 to 2009.

Mr. Coallier has also served on several boards of directors for a variety of companies, including Agropur Cooperative, Ultima Foods Inc. and Ivanhoé Cambridge. Following this outstanding career in finance, management and international markets, the Québec Chapter of Financial Executives International Canada is proud to pay tribute to Mr. Coallier through the "Aces of Finance" competition. The recipient of the Homage Award was announced at the Financial Executive Forum held on November 27, before more than 130 members and guests. Mr. Coallier will be officially honoured at the gala evening on May 7, 2015.

The winner of the Homage Award is named by the Board of Directors of the Québec Chapter of Financial Executives International Canada and the members of the competition's organizing committee, which is made up of:

• Chair: Marc Godin, MBA, CFA, Venture Partner, Cheverny Capital
  
  
• Sonya Côté, CPA, CA, Vice President Finance, Intact Insurance
  
  
• Martin Lebeau, MBA, CPA, CA, Chief Financial Officer, Accedian Networks
  
  
• Normand Lebeau, President, Mandrake Vézina Lebeau
  
  
• Dany Lehoux, MBA, Director, Business Development, PwC
  
  
• Ginette Maillé, CPA, CA, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Yellow Pages
  
  
• Monica Rocheleau, Events Manager and Coordinator, Québec Chapter of Financial Executives International Canada
  
  

About Financial Executives International Canada (FEI Canada)

Financial Executives International Canada (FEI Canada) or Dirigeants financiers internationaux du Canada (DFI Canada) is the all-industry professional association for senior financial executives. With 11 chapters across Canada and 1,600 members, FEI Canada provides professional development, thought leadership and advocacy services to its members. The Quebec Chapter currently counts 179 members. The association's membership, which consists of chief financial officers, audit committee directors and senior executives in the finance, controller, treasury and taxation functions, represents a significant number of Canada's leading and most influential corporations. Further information can be found at www.feicanada.org/quebec.