Honours for year’s top CEO
The 27 th annual Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year was t aken t o new heights as 2016 honouree Calin Rovinescu, President & CEO, Air Canada received the prestigious honour. The gala, held at Toronto’s Ritz Carlton, was attended by over 400 prominent community and business leaders.
Described as ambitious and bullheaded, Rovinescu is also characterized as humble and someone who shares credit for his successes.
“On behalf of the Advisory Board of Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year, I want to congratulate Calin Rovinescu and Air Canada on this most deserving honour,” enthused Hugh MacKinnon, Chair & CEO, Bennett Jones and Chair, CEO of the Year Advisory Board.
“Under Mr. Rovinescu’s leadership, Air Canada has been transformed into a first- class organization boasting five consecutive years of record results.
“In this 150th anniversary year, Canadians should be very proud of Air Canada.”
When the CEO got up to make his acceptance speech, he was clearly moved by the surprise video offering heartfelt wishes from Air Canada employees spanning the globe.
Founded in 1990, this highly respected award honours an executive in Canadian business who exemplifies integrity, insists upon excellence, earns the trust of others and has built a globally competitive organization.
Proceeds from the dinner support scholarships for 10 university students from across Canada. Presented by Bennett Jones; founding sponsor Caldwell Partners; media sponsors BNN and National Post; gala sponsors Aimia; Bombardier; Deloitte & TD.
The recent Celebrity Roast of Ralph Lean and Gala Tribute in support of ORT Toronto was most certainly a laughing matter. The evening was co-chaired by Larry Tanenbaum, Jim Leech and Sheldon Levy and hosted by Barry Avrich and Julianna Greenspan. It was an all- star line- up of toasters and roasters, including Mayor John Tory, Hockey Hall of Famer Glen Sather, Postmedia CEO Paul Godfrey, Blue Jays legend Paul Beeston, Raptors President Masai Ujiri, former premier Mike Harris, and Ontario PC leader Patrick Brown.
“We are really proud of Ralph and his involvement with ORT Toronto,” said Karyn Bradley, Managing Partner, Gowling WLG Toronto. “With so many people keen to roast Ralph, he may not have time for a rebuttal.” ORT Toronto helps students in need – both here and abroad – receive the best possible education.