Corporate Governance
Overview
The LCBO is a provincial government enterprise reporting to the Minister of Finance.
The LCBO is committed to transparency and is accountable to its stakeholders in several ways:
- Our Annual Report required to be tabled in the Provincial Legislature is available here.
- Our annual Business Plan is available here.
- The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the LCBO and the Ministry of Finance.
- LCBO financial statements are audited annually by the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario and are included in the LCBO annual report and posted separately online.
- Public access to records under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
- Board members appointed by Orders-in-Council.
- Various statutory reporting requirements under the Liquor Control Act to the Minister of Finance.
- Compliance with Management Board's Agency Accountability Directives.
- Compliance with the LCBO Code of Business Conduct.
Board of Directors and Chair
The LCBO has a Board of up to 11 members. They are appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor, through Orders-in-Council, on the recommendation of the Premier and the Minister of Finance. Members are appointed for a term of up to five years and terms can be renewed. There are regular monthly Board meetings.
The mandate of the Board is to supervise the business affairs of the LCBO. Among its most important responsibilities are:
- ensuring that the LCBO provides high-quality service to the public;
- developing and approving the strategic plan and monitoring management's success in meeting its business plans;
- approving annual financial plans;
- ensuring that the organization remains financially sound;
- assessing the management of business risks;
- submitting an annual financial plan to the Minister of Finance;
- ensuring the organization has communications programs to inform stakeholders of significant business developments;
- ensuring that the LCBO performs its regulatory role in a fair and impartial manner.
ETHICS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT
The LCBO Board has adopted a code of business conduct that includes policies addressing conflict of interest, confidentiality, the outside activities of employees and officers, gifts and entertainment.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The Board approves an annual health and safety policy and the Chief People Officer, provides the Board with regular health and safety reports.
COMMITTEES
The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors with oversight of the integrity of LCBO’s financial statements; the financial reporting process; the systems of internal control and risk management functions; and the performance of the Internal Audit Services Department’s functions.
The Governance Committee is responsible for recommending the LCBO's corporate governance policies and practices and ensuring that the LCBO adheres to sound corporate governance principles.
The Human Resources and Compensation Committee (HRCC) assists the Board of Directors with oversight and makes recommendations concerning human resources and compensation matters, including workplace health and safety, and talent management strategies and programs to ensure LCBO has the employee capabilities to achieve its goals.
The Technology Committee, an ad hoc committee, assists the Board of Directors with oversight of certain technology risks and related matters.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
DR. GEORGE SOLEAS, PRESIDENT & CEO
George Soleas is one of Canada’s most-credentialed wine experts. He joined the LCBO in 1997 as Director of Quality Assurance after serving more than 11 years in the Canadian wine industry, taking on progressively senior leadership positions until he was named President & Chief Executive Officer in 2016.
George’s diverse education includes a BSc from McMaster University, a diploma in Oenology from U.C. Davis, as well as a MSc and PhD from the University of Toronto. He remains committed to higher education through professional affiliations with McMaster University, Brock University, and the University of Guelph. George completed executive training through the New CEO Workshop at Harvard Business School, the Masters Certificate in Supply Chain and Logistics Management program from the Schulich Executive Education Centre, the Breakthrough Program for Senior Executives at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, and the Rotman Institute of Corporate Directors program (ICD.D). His widely published research focuses primarily on the biochemical aspects of beverage alcohol constituents and their effects on humans.
George currently serves as a Board of Directors member of the Retail Council of Canada. He is also the recipient of such awards as the Ontario Imported Wine-Spirits-Beer Association’s Industry Partnership Award, the Greek Wine Industry Award, the McMaster Alumni Gallery Award, and was appointed to the Jurade de Saint Emilion and Chevaliers du Tastevin wine organizations as well as the Keepers of the Quaich.
AARON CAMPBELL, CHIEF OF STAFF & VICE PRESIDENT, CORPORATE AFFAIRS, STRATEGY & SUSTAINABILITY
Aaron Campbell provides strategic counsel to the CEO and executive team on business objectives, stakeholder engagements, policy and government relations. Aaron also leads strategic planning and oversees LCBO’s social impact platform, the Spirit of Sustainability, delivering on the organization’s commitment to help shape a more sustainable Ontario.
Aaron has held senior roles with the federal government, including with the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada and the Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage. Passionate about the entertainment and cultural industries, Aaron worked at the Toronto international Film Festival for six years and currently serves as Board Chair of Ontario Creates (Ontario Media Development Corporation.) He is also a Board Member and Chair of the Governance and Audit Committee for Cota Health. Aaron studied Political Science at the University of Toronto and is a recipient of The Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal for service to his community.
BECKY HONG, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Becky Hong is the LCBO’s Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the organization's financial reporting and operations, financial planning and analysis, and financial systems, as well as treasury, insurance, and administration functions.
A seasoned finance professional with over 20 years of experience, Becky has led multi-functional teams and worked at global and national retailers including Staples Canada and Staples Europe, Shoppers Drug Mart, Olly Shoes, and Putting Edge. Becky joined the LCBO in 2018 as the organization's Controller and was later promoted to Vice-President, Finance and Controller.
Becky holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Economics from Mount Saint Vincent University in Nova Scotia and earned her Chartered Professional Account (Chartered Accountant) designation while working at Ernst and Young in the assurance practice. Becky has a natural talent for presenting financial information in a simplified and engaging manner. In her free time, she volunteers at TRIEC (Toronto Regional Immigrant Employment Council) to help new immigrants to Canada find professional work in the finance field.
VANDA PROVATO, CHIEF MARKETING & DIGITAL OFFICER
As the Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, Vanda Provato leads the Marketing, Customer Experience and eCommerce teams as well as Food & Drink magazine. Vanda is instrumental in evolving LCBO’s modernization by overseeing the integrated brand and digital strategy and delivering a best-in-class experience to customers.
As a brand transformation leader, Vanda has held executive leadership positions with premier retailers and brands including Second Cup Ltd., Indigo Books, and AOL Canada Inc., where she spearheaded innovative launches and integrated marketing initiatives to drive brand and business growth.
An active member of the marketing industry, Vanda has served as a judge for the Canadian Marketing Association Awards, Marketing Magazine’s “Top 30 under 30,” and Strategy’s Agency of the Year competition. She is also a member of the Centennial College Advertising Committee. Vanda holds a BA degree in English from York University and earned a diploma in creative advertising from Centennial College.
As a brand transformation leader, Vanda has held executive leadership positions with premier retailers and brands including Second Cup Ltd., Indigo Books, and AOL Canada Inc., where she spearheaded innovative launches and integrated marketing initiatives to drive brand and business growth.
An active member of the marketing industry, Vanda has served as a judge for the Canadian Marketing Association Awards, Marketing Magazine’s “Top 30 under 30,” and Strategy’s Agency of the Year competition. She is also a member of the Centennial College Advertising Committee. Vanda holds a BA degree in English from York University and earned a diploma in creative advertising from Centennial College.
John Summers, Chief Retail Officer
John Summers leads the Retail division as Chief Retail Officer, acting as an influential contributor to the LCBO’s overall business strategy and playing an integral role in positioning the organization for continued success in an increasingly competitive market in which customers have expanding choices in where to purchase beverage alcohol.
John brings a wealth of retail leadership experience. As former Vice President of direct-to-consumer for adidas group Canada, John was accountable for the management of all branded adidas and Reebok stores. John also held progressively senior roles at Indigo, including Senior Vice President of Retail Operations, where he was responsible for driving sales, enriching the employee experience and delivering a fulsome customer experience in all Indigo, Chapters and Coles stores across the country.
John is passionate about the people, partner, and customer experience, and making a difference in our communities. John studied communications at Carleton University, has a journalism diploma from Conestoga College, and earned a certificate in organizational design and renewal from Harvard University.
John is a member of the board of directors for the Oakville Gymnastics Club and is a member of several local running clubs in Halton region.
Nick Nanos, Chief Supply Chain Officer
As the Chief Supply Chain Officer, Nick Nanos oversees LCBO’s innovative supply chain operations and B2B operations, including inventory planning, transportation, logistics, distribution, quality assurance and wholesale. In this role, he and his team are responsible for moving 110 million cases of beverage alcohol products from more than 80 counties annually to retail and wholesale customers across Ontario.
Nick has held progressive leadership positions throughout his three decades at the LCBO, spanning retail, distribution, finance, wholesale, internal audit, and supply chain. His leadership and logistics expertise has been critical to the modernization of LCBO’s supply chain and other organizational-wide projects.
In addition to a BA degree in Political Studies and a post-graduate certificate in Executive Leadership from Queens University, Nick holds a designation from Supply Chain Canada and is CITT-Certified Logistics Professional (CCLP). He is also a certified Supply Chain Management Professional (CSCMP) and Fraud Examiner and earned a Certificate in Logistics Management from the Schulich School of Business.
Active in the community, Nick sits on the National Board of Directors with the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation, Trafalgar Senior Homes Ltd. & Oakville Community Homes Inc. He is also part of an expert panel advising MGS and Supply Ontario and a member of advisory committees at Conestoga College and George Brown College. Nick is a recipient of Drinks Ontario’s Industry Partnership Award (2011 and 2015).
Barb Keenan, Chief People Officer
Barb Keenan is a passionate strategic advisor and coach who has dedicated her career to aligning HR strategies with business objectives. She joined the LCBO as Senior Vice President, Human Resources (HR), in June of 2020. Barb oversees the LCBO’s HR Division, leading cultural transformation and change management, talent management, people operations, total rewards, wellness and safety, diversity and inclusion, and labour relations.
Before joining LCBO, Barb was SVP, People, Culture & Chief Ethics Officer at Ontario Power Generation. In her 15 years at the organization, she held various senior HR positions and consistently raised the bar on leadership. Barb orchestrated major transformations, launched a new HR service delivery model, and supported corporate culture and employee engagement.
Barb holds an Honours BA from the University of Toronto and is a Certified Human Resources Executive. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for YWCA Toronto - with a mission to seek a radical transformation in society where all women, girls and gender diverse people can thrive. She is known for being a strong mentor, inside and outside the workplace, to grow talent and inspire potential.
GEOFF CRONIN, IT & CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Geoff is an experienced leader who has worked closely with many leading technology companies throughout his career. He joined the LCBO in December 2020 as SVP, IT & Chief Information Officer, with a mandate to transform the IT Division into a strategic technology partner and enable the LCBO’s digital market transformation.
With a proven track record of successfully helping clients use enabling technologies to transform their businesses and market-facing strategies, Geoff brings valuable executive experience to the LCBO. Prior to his current role, he served as Managing Partner of Advisory Practice at Grant Thornton Canada. Geoff also previously held progressively senior roles at Capgemini, a global leader in consulting, technology services, and digital transformation, including President & CEO of Capgemini Canada.
Geoff has a BBA in Finance and Accounting from the University of New Brunswick. He has also completed several executive education programs, most recently participating in the Directors Education Program jointly developed by the Institute of Corporate Directors and the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. He leads with integrity, fosters collaboration, and is a strong motivator, culture driver and mentor.
Rosslyn Young, Chief Legal Officer
As the Chief Legal Officer, Rosslyn Young leads the Legal Services and Procurement divisions and is instrumental in supporting the LCBO’s business strategy while helping to drive change and innovation across the organization. Rosslyn previously worked at the LCBO as the Director of Procurement & Document services and as a member of our Legal team, where she proved to be an expert in her field, a distinct leader, and a collaborative partner.
Before re-joining the LCBO, Rosslyn was the Vice President of Procurement Services at Metrolinx, where she helped transform the Procurement Services department to support the province’s transit infrastructure expansion. Since being called to the bar in 2006, Rosslyn has practiced law primarily in the areas of commercial contracts and procurement.
Rosslyn received her BA and J.D. (Juris Doctor) from the University of Toronto and has Certificates in Public Procurement Law and Practice, as well as Construction Law from Osgoode Hall Law School (York University). Rosslyn also completed the Executive Leadership Certificate at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University.
BOARD
Carmine Nigro, Chair
Carmine Nigro is an accomplished real estate development executive and entrepreneur known for his practical and solutions-focused approach to complex projects.
As the co-founder and president of CRAFT Development Corp., he has more than 35 years of real estate development experience, including acquisitions, construction management and urban planning with projects involving retail, office and residential space in southern Ontario and the U.S.
Carmine is an active member of the community. In addition to volunteering for children’s Make-A-Wish, he is a member of the Friends of the Orphans Canada organization, helping to design and build schools, hospitals and other facilities in Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and other countries. In addition, Carmine is the Chair of Ontario Place Corporation, a member of the board of directors of Invest Ontario and Runnymede Healthcare Centre and has been on the Senate of The Canadian Military Regiment, The Queens Own Rifles since 2021.
Carmine was appointed Chair of the LCBO Board in April 2019 for a three-year term. Term renewed April 2022 for a three-year term.
Quinto Annibale, Vice Chair, Board, and Chair, Governance CommitteE
Quinto Annibale is a lawyer at Loopstra Nixon LLP where he has practiced municipal, land-use planning and development law for more than 35 years.
With over 30 years' experience as an advocate, Quinto has appeared before the Ontario Land Tribunal (formally the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal and the Ontario Municipal Board) on hundreds of cases, providing advocacy and counsel for some of the most important and complex land-use planning law cases in Ontario.
An accomplished author and lecturer who speaks frequently at conferences across North America, Quinto is also an active community member. Of his volunteer activities, he is most proud to be the founder and president of the Carol Annibale Ovarian Cancer Foundation, a charity he oversees in the memory of his late wife, Carol.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Laws from Queen’s University.
Quinto was appointed to the LCBO Board in April 2019 for a three-year term. Term renewed April 2022 for a three-year term.
David Colfer, Member, Audit Committee, and Chair, Technology Committee
David Colfer has over 25 years of experience in the Canadian retail industry specializing in brand and product development. He is recognized for his entrepreneurial mindset and his passion for simplifying business and creating a flexible, agile work environment in today's rapidly changing retail landscape.
Currently the General Manager of Lagostina (Canada), one of the most iconic names in cookware, David started his career in sales at Coranco Corp., previously Lagostina’s Canadian distributor, and rose to progressively senior roles until being named President in 2008. After the company was sold in 2013, David remained to manage Lagostina as a unit of parent Groupe SEB Canada.
David holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Bishop's University in Quebec, and has attended the IMD Leadership and Management Program in Switzerland and China. He actively gives back to the community through his involvement in several charities focused on education and family support.
David was appointed to the LCBO Board in February 2019 for a three-year term. His term was renewed February 2022 for a three-year term.
Larry Flynn, Chair, Human Resources and Compensation Committee, and Member, Technology Committee
Larry Flynn is currently the President of 2 Vice Advice Inc. and the O’Flynn Group of Companies Inc. Previously, he was the Senior Vice President, Gaming, of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), a role that he held for 14 years until his retirement in April 2015. In this role, Larry oversaw a $3.6 billion gaming operation responsible for 24 gaming sites, two warehouses and more than 6,500 direct employees. Prior to joining OLG, Larry spent over 26 years at the LCBO where he held several leadership roles, including SVP, Merchandising, Regional Director, District Manager and Director of Retail Administration and Customer Service.
In addition to being declared a “Learning Leader” by the Canadian Society for Training and Development (CSTD) in June 2012, Larry also received the prestigious industry Leadership & Outstanding Contribution Award from the Canadian Gaming Association. Larry is a Chartered Director (C.Dir.) and has completed management programs at Wilfrid Laurier University, Dalhousie University, Ivey School of Business and the University of Nevada.
Larry was appointed to the LCBO Board in April 2020 for a one-year term. His term was renewed April 2021 for a three-year term.
CLAUDIA HEPBURN, MEMBER, HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Claudia is the CEO of Windmill Microlending, an organization that reduces poverty and labour shortages by helping immigrants and refugees restart their careers in Canada. Since 2005, Windmill’s affordable loans and supports have enabled over 10,000 newcomers to reaccredit or upskill. The average Windmill client triples his or her income as a result.
Before joining Windmill, Claudia co-founded and ran NEXT Canada, to create Canada’s next generation of high-impact entrepreneurs. Since 2010, NEXT has launched over 1000 entrepreneurs and helped over 500 ventures scale.
Claudia is active in the private sector as an advisor, board member and investor. As a board member and investor, Claudia supported the growth of Kids & Company, from a start-up to Canada’s largest childcare company. Claudia currently serves on the board of SickKids Foundation and is a member of the C.D. Howe Institute’s Human Capital Council. Claudia is a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to the non-profit sector.
Claudia was appointed to the LCBO Board in October 2021 for a three-year term.
Before joining Windmill, Claudia co-founded and ran NEXT Canada, to create Canada’s next generation of high-impact entrepreneurs. Since 2010, NEXT has launched over 1000 entrepreneurs and helped over 500 ventures scale.
Claudia is active in the private sector as an advisor, board member and investor. As a board member and investor, Claudia supported the growth of Kids & Company, from a start-up to Canada’s largest childcare company. Claudia currently serves on the board of SickKids Foundation and is a member of the C.D. Howe Institute’s Human Capital Council. Claudia is a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to the non-profit sector.
Claudia was appointed to the LCBO Board in October 2021 for a three-year term.
Dragan Matovic, Member, Audit Committee
As the Chairman and CEO of Halex Capital Inc., Dragan Matovic has over 25 years of experience in several industries including real-estate development, tourism, green energy, environmental remediation, software and consumer services.
Dr. Matovic holds a BA Economics from the University of Waterloo, an MSc. Management from Cornell University, an MPA Economic Development from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Business from Virginia Tech.
Most recently, Dr. Matovic was a member of the board of directors of the Canadian Tourism Commission where he served as Chair of the Governance & HR Committee, as well as Ridley College. Previously he was the Chair of the Business Leadership Council of Niagara, a Director of Niagara Health Systems (7 hospitals) and a Governor of Niagara College. Dr. Matovic was the Founder and Chairman of the Niagara Falls Convention Centre and the Tourism Partnership of Niagara.
Dragan Matovic was appointed to the LCBO Board in January 2020 for a three-year term. Term renewed January 2023 for a three-year term.
Mina Mawani, Member, Governance Committee
Mina Mawani has more than 15 years of leadership experience in the private, public and non-profit sectors. Currently, Mina is the CEO of Dixon Hall, a multi-service agency that serves more than 10,000 people annually, impacting the lives of the most vulnerable and at-risk members of the community.
With a strong background in governance, stakeholder relations and fundraising, Mina has served as the President and CEO of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, The Canadian Women’s Foundation and as CEO of the Aga Khan Council for Canada. She is also adjunct Faculty at the Schulich School of Business. Previously, she held key roles at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mina has served on several non-profit boards, including Women’s College Hospital, Seneca College and Pine River Institute. She is currently a member of the ICD GTA Chapter Executive. In recognition of her remarkable achievements, Mina was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2019 by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN). She also received the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award and the ICCC Humanitarian of the Year Award. Mina was also selected as a Diversity 50 Member in 2018 by the Canadian Board Diversity Council.
Mina holds a Master in Health Science/Health Administration from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Commerce from York University, a diploma in Nuclear Medicine Technology from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Mina was appointed to the LCBO Board in January 2023 for a three-year term.
Kathleen Novak, Chair, Audit Committee and Member, Technology CommitteE
Kathleen Novak has been in the Financial Services industry for over 20 years and is currently a Mortgage Specialist at RBC Royal Bank. Previously, Kathleen held a leadership role at RBC as a Community Manager, overseeing four branches from Thunder Bay to the Manitoba Border. She also worked as a Branch Manager for eight years.
Kathleen has been a true community leader for many years, serving as Chair of Saakaate House Women’s Shelter, Vice-Chair of the Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce and as Vice-Chair of Kenora Bass International.
Kathleen was appointed to the LCBO Board in March 2020 for a three-year term. Term renewed March 2023 for a three-year term.
Khamini (Kandy) Samsundar, Member, Human Resources and Compensation Committee
Kandy Samsundar has over 30 years of experience in banking in International Trade Finance at CIBC with responsibilities that included profitable growth in revenues by cultivating new business relationships, maintaining high service standards, and compliance with banking rules, regulations and procedures.
As an owner and operator of a Kumon Learning franchise, Kandy also has 20 years of teaching experience and has worked to enhance the learning abilities of students within the multicultural community.
With a passion to serve and give back to the community, Kandy has held various positions in business and charitable organizations across Ontario, such as Rouge Valley Hospital, United Way, Duffins Creek Non-Profit Housing, and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. She is also the founder of the Canadian Caribbean Cultural Association of Durham and is recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Kandy was appointed to the LCBO Board in January 2020 for a three-year term. Term renewed January 2023 for a three-year term.
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