How to learn the biz: take each day, each job and industrial revolutions one- at- a- time
TELUS CHAIR BRIAN CANFIELD TOOK THE COMMUNITIES, WHERE HE ONCE INSTALLED TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT, AS SERIOUSLY AS HE TOOK TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE AND HIS TREK UP THE TELECOM LADDER
Brian Canfield is one of the most prominent figures in the history of Canada’s telecommunications industry and has helped revolutionize the way society communicates, conducts business and accesses information. He is not only a visionary and innovative leader, but a man of tremendous integrity and strength of conviction.
Brian’s legendary career began two days after graduating from high school in 1956 when he went to work for BC TEL as an apprentice equipment installer. A hard worker who displayed an unbridled passion for technology, Brian excelled in 21 different positions over the next three decades before assuming the role of CEO in 1990. During this time, Brian embraced developments in computing, fibre optics, microwave and satellite transmission technology. He also guided the construction of a telecommunications network in British Columbia and helped design a strategy for TELUS to evolve from a regional phone carrier into a national communications leader.
Significant business growth comes from taking calculated risks and Brian epitomizes courageous leadership in making critical decisions at pivotal moments in history. For example, Brian directed the merger between BC TEL and Alberta- based TELUS in 1998- 1999, which doubled the size of the organization. He assumed the role of Acting CEO and guided the newly merged company, TELUS Corporation, through a period of intense challenges. He also led the search for a new President and CEO, which resulted in the hiring of Darren Entwistle in 2000. As Chairman of the Board, Brian has worked closely with Darren for the past 12 years.
Throughout his career, Brian has demonstrated tremendous adaptability, undaunted by the telecom industry’s dizzying pace of change, unrelenting competition and regulatory challenges. Indeed, he has always been ahead of the curve. Brian was the first executive at TELUS to hold the Annual General Meeting in three cities simultaneously with a live video link. He also instituted the paperless Board Meeting in Canada by making it possible for Directors to access documents through a customized, secure, Internet portal. Moreover, Brian was a pioneer in forging new partnerships with major universities and hospitals throughout the province to encourage interactive broadband communications for applications in healthcare, training and distance education.
Brian’s legacy includes building an unparalleled track record for governance, corporate disclosure and transparency. For 15 consecutive years, the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants has recognized TELUS for disclosure excellence in corporate reporting. Additionally, for the past eight years TELUS has received international acclaim for producing one of the best annual reports in the world across all industries, according to the Annual Report on Annual Reports.
Equally impressive is Brian’s lifelong commitment to community service. As president of the B. C. Summer Games, Brian oversaw the planning and execution of an amateur sports competition in Coquitlam that brought top athletes together from around the province and created economic benefits for local businesses. He is a founding member of the Coquitlam Foundation and has been a tireless volunteer for many other non- profit organizations including the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, the United Way of the Lower Mainland and the Zajac Ranch for Children.
The Business Laureates of British
“Telecommunications is an industry that supports many different types of people and if you are able to adapt to the fast pace of change, there is tremendous opportunity for a rewarding and challenging career. It is this pace of change that has given me so many opportunities and I am eternally grateful to the company and the industry.” BRIAN CANFIELD, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, TELUS
Columbia Hall of Fame award complements Brian’s additional honours and distinctions which include the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia. He has also received an honorary Doctorate in Technology from the British Columbia Institute of Technology and is a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors. Earlier this year, Brian received a career service award from Canada’s Telecommunications Hall of Fame.
In 2005, TELUS renamed the company’s office tower at 3777 Kingsway in Burnaby the Brian Canfield Centre for Excellence in Telecommunications, in recognition of Brian’s leadership, passion for technology innovation and commitment to continuous learning and professional development.