Canadian Business Hall of Fame Welcomes 600 Guests for 43rd Annual Induction Ceremony and Celebration to Benefit JA Canada
Maureen Kempston Darkes, Hassan Khosrowshahi, Paul Guy Desmarais (posthumous), Paul Desmarais, Jr.and Andre Desmarais recognized with the highest distinction in Canadian business
TORONTO, May 12, 2022 /CNW/ – Tonight, the Canadian Business Hall of Fame (CBHF) returns to an in-person celebration, for the first time since 2019, at the Metro Toronto Convention Center. 600 of from Canada the most esteemed business leaders will come together to recognize five outstanding and visionary individuals who will be inducted as 43rd Class of Companions, the highest honor of its kind in Canadian business.
The celebration is the flagship national fundraising event in support of JA Canada, and proceeds from the evening will fuel the nonprofit’s mission to equip students with the skills needed for lifelong success. JA’s work to empower young people to build resilient economies and communities has been recognized as a pathway to peace with JA Worldwide’s recent Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Fellows of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, who are recognized for their vision and leadership, contributions to economic prosperity and civic engagement, serve as role models for the next generation of young leaders.
Each year, business leaders are nominated by their peers and chosen by an independent selection committee made up of Korn ferry and representatives of from Canada the most important commercial and academic institutions. Nominations for the Order of Business Hall of Fame are received on a rolling basis.
Inductees recognized this year include:
- Maureen Kempston Darkes OC, O.Ont., D.Comm., LL.D, General Motors Group Vice President, President of GM Latin America, Africa & Middle East (Retired)
- Hassan Khosrowshahi OC, OBC, Chairman, Persis Holdings
- Paul Guy Desmarais (posthumous 1927-2013) CP, CC, OQ, Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Power Corporation of Canada
- Paul Desmarais Jr. OC, OQ, MBA, President, Power Corporation of Canada
- Andre Desmarais OC, OQ, Vice Chairman, Power Corporation of Canada
Former companions, business partners and friends from across the country will not only attend the event, but will also donate gifts in honor of the inductees by sharing personal messages of dedication:
“Canada is defined by the people who help build this great nation. The inductees into the Order of the Hall of Fame of Business have each made outstanding contributions to the economic well-being of communities across the country. To all the inductees, the Canadian Business Hall of Fame and Junior Achievement Canada, congratulations and thank you.” –Catherine TaylorCM, Chairman of the Board, RBC
“The greatest legacy we can have is to serve as role models for the next generation of leaders, empowering them to achieve more than we could imagine. The Desmarais family is an exceptional source of inspiration for all of us. To all inductees, thank you for your outstanding contribution to Canada. -Monique F Leroux and Jean-Guy Desjardins
“Congratulations to all of these remarkable business leaders for a lifetime of business accomplishments and for their recognition as members of the CBHF Fellowship Class of 2022. A big shout out to Maureen Kempston Darkes for leading the way forward for all businesswomen with courage, humility and compassion.” –Linda Hohol
“Hassan Khosrowshahi is a classical scholar, global citizen, consummate gentleman and uniquely modern entrepreneur who has established many highly successful new businesses in his adopted country, Canada. His story is totally inspiring on so many levels.” -Honourable David Peterson
To recognize the CBHF Fellow Class of 2022 with a donation in honor, please visit www.cbhf.ca for more information or email us at [email protected].
Interviews with exceptional business leaders, stories of impact, transformation and the future of work are also featured today in The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business section.
A video of the induction ceremony, acceptance speeches and home videos showcasing the life and career of Maureen Kempston Darkes, Hassan Khosrowshahi, Paul GuyPaul Jr. and André Desmarais will be available on www.cbhf.ca next week.
About the Canadian Business Hall of Fame (CBHF)
The Canadian Business Hall of Fame celebrates the outstanding achievements of from Canada most distinguished business leaders. Since 1979, more than 200 business leaders have been inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. Celebrating the leaders of today and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow, the FCS Gala Dinner is the signature national fundraising event in support of JA Canada. For more information, please visit www.cbhf.ca.
About JA Canada
JA Canada prepares young people for success by delivering programs that provide experiential learning opportunities to more than 220,000 students each year across Canada. This is done in partnership with educators, volunteers, and businesses to educate students about financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. For more information, please visit www.jacanada.org.
SOURCE Canadian Business Hall of Fame
For further information: Media Inquiries: For more information, interview requests or comments, please contact Angela Scott, Manager, Communications [email protected]
