MARY FORREST

NORTH AMERICA (LIFE), MUNICH RE

Mary Forrest oversees the two largest life reinsurance business units within the Munich Re Group. She is responsible for reinsurance operations in Canada, the Caribbean and the United States. She takes an active role in the firm’s global initiatives through her board leadership.

“I am most proud that I am part of an amazing team of bright and talented people who have given their all to grow Munich Re Canada from a small operation to a highly successful company with $2.7 billion in capital and $5 billion in assets.”

“I admire people who have achieved great success, not because they have sought fame or fortune, but because of a passion and commitment for what they do. Canadian athletes such as Clara Hughes and Silken Laumann, who achieved what they did through sheer commitment and determination and who now use their positions to help others, are amazing examples.”

“Believe in yourself, be confident and never be intimidated. Do not be afraid to make your goals and expectations clear. From a personal perspective, I would also tell younger women who aspire to be in executive positions not to wait until their career is in the ‘right’ place before having a family. The two are not mutually exclusive and where a woman has the ability and her goals are clearly established in her own mind and the mind of her colleagues, she can achieve those goals.”

“I started my career in 1979 as a bank teller with Bank of Montreal right out of high school and today I am an executive for the same company.”

“Princess Diana. I admired her for her grace under fire, her generosity of spirit to those less fortunate than herself. And first and foremost she was a mother of two boys, just like myself, and they were her priority no matter what.”

“Some are self-imposed. We need to demonstrate more courage and speak with confidence about our accomplishments and capabilities. Be bolder about declaring our goals and partner with those who can help us. Other barriers can be addressed by engaging our male leaders/ colleagues to improve their awareness of the barriers and engage them in visibly supporting the development of women.” “Declare your aspirations to the key stakeholders who surround you and be realistic about what you have to do be considered as a viable candidate. I have long considered myself ‘Charyl Galpin Inc.’ It changed my frame of reference about how I thought about my career. There are things I need to do and there are things the company can do to help me. It is a partnership and it mentally shifts the balance of power. We all have more control over our careers than we think we do.”

“When I was offered the position of CEO of Dream Global REIT, I declined. I thought I couldn’t do it because I had never been a CEO before. I thought I didn’t have the experience in the role even though I knew the company inside out. After some persuasion I accepted the job. I am not sure I broke down a barrier, but I became the only female CEO of a public real estate company in Canada.”

Diane Giard implemented National Bank’s client value proposition — a key element in National Bank’s ‘one client, one bank’ transformation. In her current role, she oversees all personal, commercial and international banking operations and is a member of the office of the president.

“I am most proud of the role I play in a major bank: being part of the office of the president at National Bank.” “Honesty, commitment, and confidence.”

“On several occasions I asked to take on a specific position that took me out of my comfort zone to demonstrate that my skills were transportable. I built a reputation of being very adaptable and successful at just about any job.” “Women need sponsors and encouragement.”

“Believe in yourself, dare to ask, dare to take risks, and be committed.”

President & CEO