Women are leading some of Canada's most important corporations, technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, consumer brands, utilities, nonprofits, startups, and industry associations.
The women CEOs in Canada featured on this list oversee organizations of dramatically different sizes and operate in very different industries. Some manage publicly traded corporations with billions of dollars in revenue. Others have founded fast-growing Canadian companies, lead hospitals and national nonprofits, or run organizations that influence entire sectors of the Canadian economy.
What they share is responsibility at the highest executive level.
This list of 100 women CEOs in Canada highlights female chief executives who are shaping Canadian business, healthcare, technology, finance, energy, retail, transportation, professional services, and community organizations in 2026.
The list is not ranked from best to worst. Numbers are used only to make the article easier to navigate.
Executive positions can change, so the roles below were researched and reviewed against available 2026 information.
In This Guide
- Healthcare, Finance and National Organization CEOs
- More Female CEOs in Canadian Healthcare and Business
- Technology, Energy, Automotive and Consumer CEOs
- Women CEOs in Finance, Healthcare and National Institutions
- Women CEOs in Canadian Technology and Entrepreneurship
- What Does This List Tell Us About Women CEOs in Canada?
- Women CEOs in Canada's Largest Companies
- Women CEOs in Canadian Technology
- Women CEOs in Canadian Healthcare
- Women CEOs in Canadian Finance
- Women CEOs in Canadian Energy
- Women CEOs in Canada by Industry
- Female CEO vs Woman CEO: Which Term Is Correct?
- What Does a CEO Do?
- Why Are There Still Fewer Women CEOs?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Women CEOs in Canada
- Final Thoughts: 100 Women CEOs Shaping Canada
1. Tracy Robinson — CN
Position: President and Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Transportation / Rail
Headquarters: Montréal, Quebec
Tracy Robinson is President and CEO of Canadian National Railway Company, better known as CN. She has led one of Canada's most strategically important transportation companies since February 2022.
Before joining CN, Robinson held senior roles at TC Energy and spent nearly three decades with Canadian Pacific Railway. Her experience spans railway operations, finance, sales, marketing, and energy infrastructure.
CN's current leadership page continues to identify Robinson as President and CEO in 2026.
2. Nancy Southern — ATCO
Position: Chair and Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Energy / Utilities / Infrastructure
Headquarters: Calgary, Alberta
Nancy Southern is Chair and CEO of ATCO Ltd., one of Canada's major diversified infrastructure and utility companies.
She is responsible for ATCO's strategic direction and oversees a business portfolio spanning utilities, energy infrastructure, structures, logistics, and related services internationally.
Southern also serves as Executive Chair of Canadian Utilities Limited.
3. Jennifer Wong — Aritzia
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Fashion / Retail
Headquarters: Vancouver, British Columbia
Jennifer Wong is CEO of Aritzia, the Vancouver-founded fashion company that has grown into a major North American retail brand.
Wong's story is particularly notable because she joined Aritzia decades before becoming chief executive and worked across different parts of the business, eventually serving as Chief Operating Officer before taking over as CEO.
Under her leadership, Aritzia has continued expanding aggressively in the United States while maintaining its strong Canadian presence. The company reported record revenue performance during fiscal 2026.
4. Laura Dottori-Attanasio — Element Fleet Management
Position: President and Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Fleet Management / Financial Services
Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario
Laura Dottori-Attanasio is President and CEO of Element Fleet Management.
Element describes itself as the world's largest publicly traded pure-play automotive fleet manager, giving Dottori-Attanasio responsibility for a significant international business headquartered in Canada.
Before Element, she spent many years in senior executive roles within Canadian banking and financial services.
5. Cecilia Williams — Allied Properties REIT
Position: President and Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Commercial Real Estate
Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario
Cecilia Williams is President and CEO of Allied Properties Real Estate Investment Trust.
She became CEO in 2023 after previously serving as Allied's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Williams brings more than two decades of finance and executive leadership experience across Canadian real estate, media, manufacturing, and publicly traded companies.
6. Deborah K. Orida — PSP Investments
Position: President and Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Investment Management / Pensions
Headquarters: Ottawa and Montréal
Deborah K. Orida leads PSP Investments, one of Canada's largest pension investment managers.
Before becoming President and CEO, she held senior investment positions at CPP Investments, including responsibility for real assets, private equity, and sustainable investing.
In September 2026, Orida represented PSP at the Canada Investment Summit, reinforcing her position among Canada's most influential institutional investment executives.
7. Deborah Flint — Greater Toronto Airports Authority
Position: President and Chief Executive Officer
Organization: Toronto Pearson / GTAA
Industry: Aviation / Infrastructure
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Deborah Flint is President and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, which operates Toronto Pearson International Airport.
She brings more than 25 years of aviation experience and previously led Los Angeles World Airports.
At Toronto Pearson, Flint has overseen a major infrastructure and digital modernization agenda for Canada's largest airport.
8. Megan Telford — Hydro One
Position: President and Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Electricity / Utilities
Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario
Megan Telford became President and CEO of Hydro One in 2026.
Before her appointment, she served as Hydro One's Chief Operating Officer and held responsibilities across operations, customer service, safety, corporate affairs, Indigenous relations, and grid modernization.
Her role places her at the centre of Ontario's electricity infrastructure expansion and modernization plans.
9. Jana Mosley — Toronto Hydro
Position: President and Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Electricity / Utilities
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Jana Mosley is President and CEO of Toronto Hydro, one of Canada's largest municipal electricity distribution companies.
She has more than 25 years of electricity-sector experience across operations, regulation, grid modernization, customer experience, and infrastructure.
In 2026, she was also appointed Chair of Electricity Canada's Board of Directors.
10. Susan Senecal — A&W Food Services of Canada
Position: President and Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Restaurants / Foodservice
Headquarters: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Susan Senecal is President and CEO of A&W Food Services of Canada.
She oversees one of Canada's largest quick-service restaurant brands and an extensive franchise network across the country.
A&W's 2026 investor communications continue to identify Senecal as its President and CEO.
Healthcare, Finance and National Organization CEOs
11. Justine Hendricks — Farm Credit Canada
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Financial Services / Agriculture
Justine Hendricks leads Farm Credit Canada, the country's largest lender focused specifically on agriculture and food.
Her career spans more than two decades in Canadian banking and finance, including senior experience in lending, risk, sustainability, and transformation.
She was named among WXN's Canada's Most Powerful CEOs for 2026.
12. Cathy Thorpe — Nurse Next Door
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Home Care / Healthcare
Cathy Thorpe leads Vancouver-founded Nurse Next Door.
Under her leadership, the home-care business has expanded into an international organization with hundreds of locations.
Thorpe has become particularly associated with people-centred leadership and elevating caregiving as a professional career.
13. Trish Barbato — Arthritis Society Canada
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare / Nonprofit
Trish Barbato is President and CEO of Arthritis Society Canada.
She brings more than 25 years of executive experience across complex healthcare and social-care organizations and leads national programs related to arthritis research, advocacy, services, and awareness.
She is also a co-founder of the Menopause Foundation of Canada.
14. Susan Bisaillon — Safehaven
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare / Community Care
Susan Bisaillon leads Safehaven, an organization supporting people with complex care needs.
Her healthcare career spans more than 30 years and includes executive positions within hospital, academic, and community healthcare settings.
She previously held senior leadership roles at organizations including Trillium Health Partners and University Health Network.
15. Wendy Hurlburt — Life Sciences BC
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Life Sciences
Wendy Hurlburt leads Life Sciences BC, one of the principal organizations connecting British Columbia's biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical technology, research, and investment ecosystem.
Her work focuses heavily on strengthening commercialization, partnerships, investment, and growth within Canada's life-sciences economy.
16. Anik Trudel — Lavery
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Legal Services
Location: Quebec
Anik Trudel is CEO of Lavery, a major Quebec business law firm.
After beginning her career as a lawyer, she moved into senior communications and management positions before returning to the legal sector as chief executive.
Her role combines professional-services management, organizational transformation, and corporate governance.
17. Karli Farrow — Trillium Health Partners
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Karli Farrow leads Trillium Health Partners, one of Canada's largest hospital systems.
She oversees an organization with more than 17,000 team members serving a catchment area of roughly two million people.
Her leadership has included major infrastructure expansion, health-system transformation, and the development of large-scale hospital projects.
18. Dana McCauley — Canadian Food Innovation Network
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Food Technology / Innovation
Dana McCauley leads the Canadian Food Innovation Network.
The organization connects food entrepreneurs, researchers, manufacturers, investors, and technology companies with the goal of improving innovation and commercialization across Canada's food industry.
Under McCauley's leadership, the network has expanded to thousands of members across the country.
19. Dr. Marjorie Dixon — Anova Fertility
Position: Founder, CEO and Medical Director
Industry: Fertility / Healthcare
Location: Ontario
Dr. Marjorie Dixon is Founder, CEO and Medical Director of Anova Fertility.
A reproductive endocrinologist and obstetrician-gynecologist, Dixon combines clinical practice with entrepreneurship and healthcare leadership.
She has also been a prominent advocate for improving fertility-treatment access in Canada.
20. Jennifer Stewart — Syntax Strategic
Position: Founder and CEO
Industry: Communications / Public Affairs
Jennifer Stewart is Founder and CEO of Syntax Strategic.
She has built the Canadian strategic communications firm while also co-founding platforms including The Honest Talk and The Women's Summit.
Her work spans corporate communications, public affairs, reputation, leadership, and advocacy.
21. Johanna Faigelman — HumanBranding
Position: Founder and CEO
Industry: Research / Consulting
Johanna Faigelman leads HumanBranding, a behavioural-insights consultancy operating from Toronto and New Jersey.
A trained anthropologist, she founded the company in 2006 and developed its Applied Anthropology Thinking methodology.
Its clients span pharmaceutical, biotechnology, consumer, and other large global industries.
22. Elizabeth Watson — Watson Advisors
Position: Founder and CEO
Industry: Corporate Governance / Consulting
Elizabeth “Liz” Watson is Founder and CEO of Watson Advisors.
Her firm advises boards and leadership teams on corporate governance, board effectiveness, succession, and organizational performance.
Watson has spent more than 25 years working with organizations across Canada.
23. Pascale Pageau — Delegatus
Position: Founder and CEO
Industry: Legal Services
Pascale Pageau founded and leads Delegatus, a Quebec legal-services firm built around a flexible NewLaw model.
She has expanded the firm to dozens of lawyers while challenging more traditional law-firm employment and service models.
Pageau is also active in initiatives advancing women within Canada's legal and business communities.
24. Laurie Clark — Onyen Corporation
Position: Founder, Director and CEO
Industry: Technology / Governance / Risk
Laurie Clark is Founder, Director and CEO of Onyen Corporation.
Her work sits at the intersection of technology, regulatory reporting, corporate governance, risk management, and financial compliance.
She also has leadership involvement in Canchek Corporation and Smarten Up Institute.
25. Renée Merrifield — Troika Management Corp.
Position: CEO
Industry: Real Estate / Development
Renée Merrifield is CEO of Troika, a Canadian real estate group active across multiple provinces.
Her career combines entrepreneurship, property development, governance, and public service.
She has also served on a number of Canadian corporate and institutional boards.
More Female CEOs in Canadian Healthcare and Business
26. Dr. Katherine Chubbs — The Good Samaritan Society
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare / Continuing Care
Dr. Katherine Chubbs is President and CEO of The Good Samaritan Society.
She began her career as a registered nurse before progressing through senior healthcare leadership positions.
Her experience spans healthcare operations, education, community services, and organizational leadership.
27. Lori Grant — Klick Health
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Healthcare Marketing / Life Sciences
Lori Grant is CEO of Klick Health.
She has played a major role in scaling the Toronto-headquartered health marketing and commercialization company serving pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and consumer-health clients.
Grant has spent nearly two decades with Klick and became CEO after holding increasingly senior leadership responsibilities.
28. Lourdes Juan — Knead Technologies
Position: Co-Founder and CEO
Industry: Food Technology
Lourdes Juan is a Canadian entrepreneur and co-founder and CEO of Knead Technologies.
Her career spans urban planning, food security, hospitality, climate technology, and entrepreneurship.
She has founded and supported several ventures with a focus on solving community and food-system challenges.
29. Dr. Lesley Steele — Steele Veterinary Group
Position: Owner and CEO
Industry: Veterinary Healthcare
Dr. Lesley Steele leads Steele Veterinary Group.
The organization includes multiple veterinary hospitals as well as related telecommunications, training, real estate, and service businesses.
Steele has also worked to increase ownership opportunities for women veterinarians.
30. Anne Whelan — Seafair Capital
Position: CEO
Industry: Investment / Healthcare / Technology
Anne Whelan leads Seafair Capital.
The Newfoundland and Labrador-based investment group has holdings spanning health services, technology, and property development.
Whelan is also an experienced corporate director with involvement in organizations including the Bank of Canada and NAV CANADA.
31. Kathryn Chayka — JKC Restaurants
Position: CEO
Industry: Restaurants
Kathryn Chayka leads JKC Restaurants.
The organization operates dozens of restaurant locations across Canada and internationally.
Her work focuses on restaurant operations, franchising, sales performance, and workforce development.
32. Lori-Ann Beausoleil — Board Diversity Network
Position: CEO
Industry: Corporate Governance
Lori-Ann Beausoleil is CEO of Board Diversity Network.
A retired PwC partner, she also serves on multiple Canadian corporate boards and audit committees.
Her experience spans governance, ethics, compliance, forensic services, deals, and real estate.
33. Carrie Cussons — Events East
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Events / Hospitality
Carrie Cussons leads Events East in Halifax.
The organization manages major venues including the Halifax Convention Centre and Scotiabank Centre.
Cussons has more than two decades of executive management experience with a strong background in finance and operations.
34. Lindsay Glassco — Plan International Canada
Position: President and CEO
Industry: International Development
Lindsay Glassco is President and CEO of Plan International Canada.
She leads a major international-development and humanitarian organization whose work includes children's rights, gender equality, education, health, and humanitarian response.
Her career has focused heavily on international development and social impact.
35. Sarah Midanik — Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Nonprofit / Reconciliation
Sarah Midanik leads the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.
The organization works to improve relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through education, awareness, and reconciliation programs.
Midanik is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and has held several leadership and governance roles.
36. Meaghan Stovel McKnight — Make-A-Wish Canada
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Charity / Healthcare Support
Meaghan Stovel McKnight is CEO of Make-A-Wish Canada.
She leads the organization responsible for granting wishes to children living with critical illnesses.
Her background includes more than 20 years of leadership in fundraising, organizational development, and charitable-sector management.
37. Amanda Alvaro — Pomp & Circumstance
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Public Relations / Creative Services
Amanda Alvaro leads Pomp & Circumstance PR as well as creative agency Bonus Track.
She is an entrepreneur, communications strategist, and political commentator with extensive experience in public relations and media.
Alvaro has also held leadership roles supporting Canadian charitable organizations.
38. Nicole Neuman — Synergy Engineering
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Engineering
Nicole Neuman leads Synergy Engineering.
A professional engineer, she oversees engineering and design teams working on major industrial and materials-handling projects, including mining expansions.
She also contributes to technical associations and engineering mentorship initiatives.
39. Jackie Rhind — Ovry
Position: CEO
Industry: Women's Health / Consumer Healthcare
Jackie Rhind is CEO of Ovry, a Canadian reproductive-health company.
Ovry has developed pregnancy and ovulation testing products designed to be more accessible, discreet, affordable, and lower-waste than many conventional alternatives.
The company operates at the intersection of consumer products and reproductive health.
40. Janice Madon — Brookfield Annuity
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Insurance / Financial Services
Janice Madon leads Brookfield Annuity.
The company focuses primarily on group annuity solutions for pension plans.
Madon's career spans more than 25 years in financial services, with experience across finance, insurance, governance, and talent development.
41. Jennifer Flanagan — Actua
Position: President and CEO
Industry: STEM Education
Jennifer Flanagan leads Actua, a national organization focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
Actua works through a network of universities and colleges to reach hundreds of thousands of young people.
Flanagan has spent decades expanding access to STEM, particularly for groups traditionally underrepresented in science and technology.
42. Tonie Chaltas — Achēv
Position: CEO
Industry: Employment / Settlement Services
Tonie Chaltas leads Achēv.
The organization provides employment, youth, language, newcomer, and settlement services designed to help people establish careers and build economic opportunity in Canada.
Chaltas previously spent more than two decades in private-sector leadership.
43. Meghan Roach — Roots Corporation
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Apparel / Retail
Meghan Roach leads Canadian lifestyle and apparel brand Roots.
Her leadership has focused on brand evolution, international development, sustainability, and strengthening the company's retail and digital channels.
Before becoming CEO, she worked in private equity and served on the company's board.
44. Cathy Simpson — TechImpact
Position: CEO
Industry: Technology / Economic Development
Cathy Simpson leads TechImpact in Atlantic Canada.
The organization works to strengthen the region's digital economy, technology workforce, business adoption, and innovation capacity.
She has also held leadership roles within New Brunswick's innovation ecosystem.
45. Domanique Grant — Grant Creativity
Position: Founder and CEO
Industry: Creative Industries / Social Enterprise
Domanique Grant founded and leads Grant Creativity Inc.
Her company combines entertainment, wellness, professional development, and social-impact programming.
Grant is also a recording artist and founder of The Imagine Summit.
46. Michelle Grocholsky — Empowered EDI
Position: Founder and CEO
Industry: Consulting / Equity and Inclusion
Michelle Grocholsky is Founder and CEO of Empowered EDI.
Her work focuses on helping organizations identify systemic inequities and develop practical strategies for more inclusive institutions and workplaces.
She combines organizational strategy with research and engagement practices.
47. Shannon Byrne Susko — Metronomics
Position: Founder and CEO
Industry: Business Consulting
Shannon Byrne Susko is Founder and CEO of Metronomics.
She works with CEOs and leadership teams on strategic execution, scaling, and organizational performance.
Susko has spent more than 25 years building companies and advising high-growth businesses.
48. Diane McCurdy — McCurdy Financial Planning
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Financial Planning
Diane McCurdy leads McCurdy Financial Planning.
She is a long-time Canadian financial-services executive and entrepreneur who has focused on financial planning, wealth management, and helping business owners and families structure long-term financial strategies.
49. Prem Gill — Creative BC
Position: CEO
Industry: Film / Creative Industries
Prem Gill leads Creative BC.
The organization supports British Columbia's film, television, music, publishing, digital media, and creative sectors.
Her position places her at the intersection of cultural development, economic policy, and Canada's creative economy.
50. Reetu Gupta — Easton's Group of Hotels and The Gupta Group
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Hotels / Real Estate
Reetu Gupta serves as President and CEO within her family's Canadian hotel and real estate businesses.
Easton's Group of Hotels has operated properties under several internationally recognized hotel brands.
Gupta's leadership spans hospitality, property development, investment, and business operations.
Technology, Energy, Automotive and Consumer CEOs
51. Melissa Kargiannakis — skritswap
Position: Founder and CEO
Industry: Technology / Artificial Intelligence
Melissa Kargiannakis founded skritswap, a technology company focused on making complex information easier to understand.
Her work sits at the intersection of language technology, accessibility, artificial intelligence, and communication.
52. Eno Eka — ENY Consulting
Position: Founder and CEO
Industry: Consulting / Business Analysis
Eno Eka is Founder and CEO of ENY Consulting and Business Analysis School.
She has built programs and services focused on business analysis, career development, professional training, and consulting.
53. Heather Reisman — Indigo
Position: Founder and CEO
Industry: Retail / Publishing
Heather Reisman is Founder and CEO of Indigo Books & Music.
She is one of Canada's best-known retail executives and entrepreneurs, having played a major role in the evolution of Canada's bookselling and lifestyle retail market.
Her career also includes extensive involvement in philanthropy, education, and corporate governance.
54. Tamara Vrooman — Vancouver Airport Authority
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Aviation
Tamara Vrooman leads Vancouver Airport Authority, operator of Vancouver International Airport.
Before joining YVR, she was CEO of Vancity and previously served as British Columbia's Deputy Minister of Finance.
Her leadership background therefore spans aviation, finance, government, and infrastructure.
55. Susann Mayhead — Mercedes-Benz Canada
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Automotive
Susann Mayhead became President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada in May 2026.
She brings international experience within Mercedes-Benz as well as expertise in finance, commercial operations, and market leadership.
She is responsible for the luxury automaker's Canadian business.
56. Viktoria Friedrich — Bayer Canada
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Pharmaceuticals / Life Sciences
Viktoria Friedrich became President and CEO of Bayer Inc. in Canada in September 2026.
She also serves as Country President and General Manager of Pharmaceuticals.
Her responsibilities span Bayer Canada's pharmaceutical, consumer-health, radiology, and corporate-governance activities.
57. Josée M. Guibord — Electricity Canada
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Energy
Josée M. Guibord became President and CEO of Electricity Canada in September 2026.
She has more than 25 years of experience across energy, mining, and infrastructure.
Before taking the role, Guibord had served as President and CEO of Evolugen by Brookfield Renewable, overseeing a multibillion-dollar asset portfolio.
58. Jennifer Reynolds — NEXT Canada
Position: CEO
Industry: Entrepreneurship / Technology
Jennifer Reynolds became CEO of NEXT Canada in 2026.
Her background spans capital markets, investment banking, entrepreneurship, and advocacy for women in finance.
NEXT Canada develops Canadian entrepreneurs and technology founders through accelerator and leadership programs.
59. Mitzie Hunter — Canadian Women's Foundation
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Nonprofit / Gender Equality
Mitzie Hunter is President and CEO of the Canadian Women's Foundation.
Her career spans the nonprofit sector, business, community leadership, and government.
She previously served in Ontario's cabinet, including as Minister of Education, and has led organizations such as CivicAction.
60. Estelle Azemard — Leaseweb Canada
Position: CEO
Industry: Cloud Infrastructure / IT
Estelle Azemard became CEO of Leaseweb Canada in 2026.
From Montréal, she leads the company's Canadian cloud, hosting, colocation, sovereign infrastructure, and dedicated-server operations.
Her role places her among the notable women CEOs working in Canada's digital-infrastructure industry.
61. Andrea Limbardi — Reitmans Canada
Position: CEO
Industry: Fashion / Retail
Andrea Limbardi leads Reitmans Canada Limited.
Reitmans operates several Canadian fashion retail brands and maintains a significant national store and e-commerce footprint.
Limbardi has overseen the company's continuing transformation in a retail sector increasingly shaped by e-commerce, consumer data, and omnichannel operations.
62. Mélanie Dunn — Cossette
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Advertising / Marketing
Mélanie Dunn leads Cossette and has also held leadership responsibility within Plus Company Canada.
She is one of Canada's most prominent agency executives, with extensive experience in advertising, marketing communications, digital transformation, and corporate growth.
63. Mallorie Brodie — Bridgit
Position: Co-Founder and CEO
Industry: Construction Technology
Mallorie Brodie co-founded and leads Bridgit, a Canadian construction technology company.
Bridgit builds workforce-planning software for large contractors and construction organizations.
The Waterloo-region company has expanded internationally, making Brodie a prominent woman CEO within Canada's SaaS and construction-tech ecosystem.
64. Lara Murphy — Calgary Wild FC
Position: Co-Founder, President and CEO
Industry: Professional Sports
Lara Murphy is a co-founder, President and CEO of Calgary Wild FC.
Her leadership extends beyond professional soccer: she also has a background in construction entrepreneurship.
Murphy represents the growing number of women moving into ownership and executive leadership in Canadian professional sports.
65. Saifa Dhanani Koonar — Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare / Philanthropy
Saifa Dhanani Koonar leads the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation.
The foundation funds pediatric healthcare, medical research, equipment, and programs designed to improve children's health.
Her role combines fundraising, healthcare partnerships, organizational leadership, and community engagement.
66. Joyce Carter — Halifax International Airport Authority
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Aviation
Joyce Carter leads Halifax International Airport Authority.
Her responsibilities include strategic, financial, operational, and infrastructure leadership for Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
She is one of several women currently leading major Canadian airport organizations.
67. Heather Stark — The Fertility Partners
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Fertility / Healthcare
Heather Stark became CEO of The Fertility Partners in January 2026.
She previously served as the organization's Chief Financial Officer and became the first woman CEO in the company's history.
The Fertility Partners operates a national network of fertility clinics and reproductive-care services.
68. Heather Masterson — Équité Association
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Insurance / Financial Crime Prevention
Heather Masterson became President and CEO of Équité Association in September 2026.
She brings more than 30 years of insurance-sector experience and previously served as President and CEO of Travelers Canada.
Équité works with Canada's insurance industry to combat fraud, vehicle theft, and insurance crime.
69. Michelle McLean — HealthCareCAN
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare / Association
Michelle McLean leads HealthCareCAN, a national organization representing Canadian healthcare institutions and health-sector interests.
Her background includes law, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, government relations, and health and life sciences.
70. Annabelle Cloutier — National Arts Centre
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Arts / Culture
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Annabelle Cloutier became President and CEO of Canada's National Arts Centre in December 2025.
She is the first Francophone woman to lead the institution since it opened in 1969.
Her career includes more than 25 years of work across governance, public affairs, communications, diplomacy, and culture.
Women CEOs in Finance, Healthcare and National Institutions
71. Tanya van Biesen — Women in Capital Markets
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Financial Services / Professional Association
Tanya van Biesen leads Women in Capital Markets.
The organization works to improve representation and advancement for women and gender-diverse professionals across Canadian finance.
Before taking the role, van Biesen held senior leadership positions in executive search and at Catalyst.
72. Sofia Guay — Montfort Foundation
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare Philanthropy
Sofia Guay became President and CEO of the Montfort Foundation on October 5, 2026.
She brings nearly two decades of philanthropic leadership experience, including extensive work with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.
Her role focuses on fundraising and community support for Hôpital Montfort and Francophone healthcare.
73. Kristin Kennedy — Windsor Regional Hospital
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare
Kristin Kennedy became President and CEO of Windsor Regional Hospital in 2026.
She previously led Erie Shores HealthCare and began her career in frontline nursing, including neonatal intensive care and flight nursing.
Her healthcare experience combines clinical knowledge with hospital operations and senior management.
74. Cheryl Bernard — Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Sports / Culture
Cheryl Bernard leads Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
The organization preserves and celebrates major achievements in Canadian sport while developing educational initiatives for communities and young people.
Bernard is also widely known for her own career as an elite Canadian curler.
75. Heather McPherson — Women's College Hospital
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare
Heather McPherson leads Women's College Hospital in Toronto.
Her executive experience spans clinical care, hospital strategy, ambulatory medicine, digital health, and healthcare-system transformation.
She has been particularly involved in developing new models of care addressing gaps experienced by women and underserved populations.
76. Cynthia Davis — Lakeridge Health
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare
Cynthia Davis is President and CEO of Lakeridge Health.
A registered nurse by profession, she has more than 30 years of healthcare experience and has held leadership positions across several Canadian hospital systems.
Her role includes responsibility for healthcare delivery and long-term transformation across Durham Region.
77. Melissa Farrell — Halton Healthcare
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare
Melissa Farrell is President and CEO of Halton Healthcare.
She previously served as President of St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and held senior public-sector health positions within Ontario.
Her experience includes integrated healthcare delivery, hospital leadership, system planning, and government.
78. Dr. Krista Jangaard — IWK Health
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare
Dr. Krista Jangaard leads IWK Health in Halifax.
IWK provides specialized care for women, children, youth, and families across Atlantic Canada.
Jangaard's role combines clinical leadership, hospital administration, research, and regional healthcare strategy.
79. Andrea Seale — Canadian Cancer Society
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Healthcare / Nonprofit
Andrea Seale is CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society.
She leads one of Canada's largest health charities, with work covering cancer research, advocacy, support services, prevention, and patient information.
In 2026, the organization launched a new five-year strategy focused on survival, prevention, and improving the lives of people affected by cancer.
80. Kate Horton — Ronald McDonald House Canada
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Nonprofit / Family Healthcare Support
Kate Horton leads Ronald McDonald House Canada.
The national organization supports families who need to travel for a child's medical treatment by providing accommodation and other services near healthcare facilities.
Horton works with Ronald McDonald Houses and family-room programs across Canada.
81. Sandra Sualim — Women's College Hospital Foundation
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare Philanthropy
Sandra Sualim leads Women's College Hospital Foundation.
Her role involves mobilizing philanthropic support for research, care, and innovation at Women's College Hospital.
In 2026, the foundation launched new campaigns and continued expanding its fundraising work focused on women's healthcare.
82. Marie-Hélène Laramée — MUHC Foundation
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare Philanthropy
Location: Montréal, Quebec
Marie-Hélène Laramée leads the McGill University Health Centre Foundation.
She works at the intersection of philanthropy, medical research, patient care, and major healthcare fundraising.
In 2026, she was appointed to the board of Women's Health Collective Canada.
83. Mary Silverthorn — Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare
Mary Silverthorn became President and CEO of Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital in September 2026.
Her previous experience includes hospital executive leadership as well as senior leadership within the Ontario Provincial Police.
She assumed the role as the hospital works through major healthcare and infrastructure priorities.
Women CEOs in Canadian Technology and Entrepreneurship
84. Erin Bury — Willful
Position: Co-Founder and CEO
Industry: Legal Technology / SaaS
Erin Bury is co-founder and CEO of Willful.
The Toronto-based company helps Canadians prepare wills and estate-planning documents online.
Under Bury's leadership, Willful has expanded across all 10 provinces and developed partnerships with major Canadian financial institutions.
85. Julie Angus — Open Ocean Robotics
Position: Co-Founder and CEO
Industry: Ocean Technology / Robotics
Location: British Columbia
Julie Angus is co-founder and CEO of Open Ocean Robotics.
The company develops solar-powered autonomous surface vessels used to collect ocean data more safely and efficiently.
Angus combines entrepreneurship, marine science, robotics, and ocean exploration.
86. Amanda Hall — Summit Nanotech
Position: Founder and CEO
Industry: Clean Technology / Lithium
Amanda Hall founded and leads Calgary-based Summit Nanotech.
The company develops technology intended to improve lithium extraction for use in batteries and clean-energy supply chains.
Hall's background includes geophysics and oil and gas, which she has applied to building technologies for the energy transition.
87. Shelby Austin — Arteria AI
Position: Co-Founder and CEO
Industry: Artificial Intelligence / Financial Technology
Shelby Austin is co-founder and CEO of Toronto-based Arteria AI.
The company uses artificial intelligence to digitize and automate documentation and contract processes, particularly within financial institutions.
Before starting Arteria, Austin held senior technology and investment roles at Deloitte.
88. Fatima Zaidi — Quill
Position: Founder and CEO
Industry: Media Technology / Podcasting
Fatima Zaidi is Founder and CEO of Quill Inc.
The Toronto company specializes in corporate podcast production and also operates podcast analytics technology.
Zaidi has built the company while becoming an advocate for women and underrepresented founders within Canadian technology and entrepreneurship.
89. Jenn Harper — Cheekbone Beauty
Position: Founder and CEO
Industry: Beauty / Consumer Products
Jenn Harper is Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty.
The Canadian beauty brand was created around Indigenous representation, sustainability, and responsible product development.
Harper, who is Ojibwe and a member of Northwest Angle #33 First Nation, has become one of Canada's most visible Indigenous entrepreneurs.
90. Deborah Yedlin — Calgary Chamber of Commerce
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Business Association
Deborah Yedlin leads the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
Her background includes investment banking, journalism, corporate governance, and extensive involvement in Calgary's business community.
As CEO, she represents businesses across a region central to Canada's energy, technology, and investment economy.
91. Kelly Higginson — Restaurants Canada
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Foodservice / Association
Kelly Higginson is President and CEO of Restaurants Canada.
She leads the national association representing Canada's foodservice sector and advocates on issues including taxation, labour, affordability, regulation, and business competitiveness.
Federal lobbying records continue to identify Higginson as the organization's President and CEO in 2026.
92. Beth Potter — Tourism Industry Association of Canada
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Tourism
Beth Potter leads the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.
TIAC represents tourism businesses and organizations in national discussions involving economic policy, workforce development, travel, infrastructure, and government support.
Potter has been a prominent advocate for rebuilding and strengthening Canada's visitor economy.
93. Candace Laing — Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Business / Economic Policy
Candace Laing leads the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canada's largest national business network.
Her career includes senior executive work across agriculture, mining, sustainability, stakeholder relations, and human resources.
In 2026, she was appointed to the Prime Minister's Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations.
94. Annemarie Swijtink — McDonald's Canada
Position: President and Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Restaurants / Consumer
Annemarie Swijtink is President and CEO of McDonald's Restaurants of Canada.
She oversees more than 1,500 restaurant locations across the country.
Her career with McDonald's spans more than three decades and includes leadership across marketing, digital, analytics, and international markets.
95. Dr. Janis Goldie — Alberta University of the Arts
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Education / Arts
Dr. Janis Goldie serves as President and CEO of Alberta University of the Arts.
Her leadership focuses on arts education, creative practice, research, institutional partnerships, and positioning AUArts within Canada's creative economy.
She is leading the institution during its centennial period in 2026.
96. Jennifer Gillivan — IWK Foundation
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare Philanthropy
Jennifer Gillivan leads the IWK Foundation.
The foundation is the primary fundraising and outreach partner supporting IWK Health and specialized healthcare for women, children, youth, and families across the Maritimes.
Her background includes philanthropy, marketing, communications, partnerships, and national media.
97. Marissa Reckmann — AGAT Laboratories
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Laboratory Services / Science
Marissa Reckmann is CEO of AGAT Laboratories.
The Canadian laboratory company provides analytical testing services across environmental, energy, industrial, agriculture, food, and related sectors.
AGAT's 2026 communications continue to identify Reckmann as its CEO as the company expands laboratory and digital services.
98. Tracey Bodnarchuk — Canada Powered by Women
Position: Founder and CEO
Industry: Energy / Public Policy
Tracey Bodnarchuk is Founder and CEO of Canada Powered by Women.
The organization works to increase women's participation in discussions about Canada's energy system, economic competitiveness, affordability, and energy policy.
Bodnarchuk previously held senior roles spanning technology, professional services, real estate, and energy.
99. Mandy Rennehan — Freshco
Position: Founder and CEO
Industry: Construction / Facilities
Mandy Rennehan is Founder and CEO of Freshco.
The Canadian facilities and construction company has built its brand around retail maintenance, skilled trades, construction services, and workplace culture.
Rennehan has also become a prominent advocate for changing perceptions of skilled trades and expanding opportunities for people who may not follow traditional academic career paths.
100. Heather Christie-Burns — Pembina Gas Infrastructure
Position: President and CEO
Industry: Energy / Midstream Infrastructure
Heather Christie-Burns is President and CEO of Pembina Gas Infrastructure.
Her leadership places her within one of Canada's most economically significant industries: natural-gas processing and midstream infrastructure.
She brings energy-sector executive and operational experience to a business responsible for critical infrastructure connecting Canadian natural-gas production with processing and transportation systems.
What Does This List Tell Us About Women CEOs in Canada?
One of the most important observations from this list is that there is no single pathway to becoming a female CEO in Canada.
Some of these women spent decades inside one organization before eventually becoming chief executive.
Others built companies themselves.
Some began their careers as:
- nurses;
- engineers;
- lawyers;
- accountants;
- bankers;
- scientists;
- marketers;
- journalists;
- physicians;
- consultants;
- sales professionals;
- public servants;
- entrepreneurs.
Their organizations also vary enormously.
A woman serving as CEO of a publicly traded railway company has a very different mandate from a woman leading a hospital foundation, technology startup, law firm, airport authority, or national nonprofit.
However, all are ultimately responsible for organizational strategy, leadership, performance, and long-term direction.
Women CEOs in Canada's Largest Companies
Several women on this list lead substantial publicly traded Canadian corporations.
Examples include:
- Tracy Robinson — CN
- Nancy Southern — ATCO
- Jennifer Wong — Aritzia
- Laura Dottori-Attanasio — Element Fleet Management
- Cecilia Williams — Allied Properties REIT
- Susan Senecal — A&W Food Services of Canada
Their presence is important because representation among CEOs of Canada's largest listed companies remains considerably lower than women's representation elsewhere in management and corporate boards.
The CEO position remains one of the least gender-balanced levels of corporate leadership.
Women CEOs in Canadian Technology
Canada's technology ecosystem provides another important route into executive leadership.
Unlike large established corporations, where candidates often spend decades moving through management hierarchies, startups allow founders to assume CEO responsibility immediately and then grow into that role as their companies scale.
Women CEOs and founder-CEOs on this list include:
- Mallorie Brodie of Bridgit;
- Shelby Austin of Arteria AI;
- Amanda Hall of Summit Nanotech;
- Julie Angus of Open Ocean Robotics;
- Erin Bury of Willful;
- Fatima Zaidi of Quill;
- Melissa Kargiannakis of skritswap.
Their businesses cover artificial intelligence, SaaS, legal technology, robotics, clean technology, construction technology, and media technology.
Women CEOs in Canadian Healthcare
Healthcare has one of the strongest concentrations of women chief executives in Canada.
Women on this list lead:
- hospitals;
- fertility networks;
- health charities;
- foundations;
- home-care businesses;
- healthcare associations;
- children's health organizations;
- research and patient-support organizations.
Examples include Karli Farrow, Heather McPherson, Cynthia Davis, Kristin Kennedy, Krista Jangaard, Trish Barbato, Andrea Seale, and Dr. Marjorie Dixon.
This reflects the fact that women are strongly represented in Canada's healthcare workforce, although representation can still decline substantially as roles become more senior.
Women CEOs in Canadian Finance
Finance remains another major pathway toward the CEO position.
Examples in this list include:
- Deborah K. Orida at PSP Investments;
- Justine Hendricks at Farm Credit Canada;
- Janice Madon at Brookfield Annuity;
- Diane McCurdy at McCurdy Financial Planning;
- Laura Dottori-Attanasio at Element Fleet Management.
Experience in finance can be particularly valuable for future chief executives because CEOs need to understand:
- capital allocation;
- investment decisions;
- financial reporting;
- corporate risk;
- acquisitions;
- business performance;
- governance.
Women CEOs in Canadian Energy
Canada's energy sector has historically been heavily male-dominated, particularly at senior operational levels.
That makes the growing visibility of women in major energy leadership roles particularly noteworthy.
Examples include:
- Nancy Southern — ATCO;
- Megan Telford — Hydro One;
- Jana Mosley — Toronto Hydro;
- Josée M. Guibord — Electricity Canada;
- Amanda Hall — Summit Nanotech;
- Heather Christie-Burns — Pembina Gas Infrastructure;
- Tracey Bodnarchuk — Canada Powered by Women.
These leaders are involved in electricity transmission, distribution, natural gas, clean technology, lithium, infrastructure, and national energy policy.
Women CEOs in Canada by Industry
The 100 CEOs featured in this article demonstrate the breadth of female leadership across Canada.
| Industry | Examples |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Tracy Robinson, Deborah Flint, Tamara Vrooman, Joyce Carter |
| Energy | Nancy Southern, Megan Telford, Jana Mosley, Josée M. Guibord |
| Technology | Mallorie Brodie, Shelby Austin, Erin Bury, Julie Angus |
| Healthcare | Karli Farrow, Heather McPherson, Cynthia Davis, Kristin Kennedy |
| Finance | Deborah K. Orida, Justine Hendricks, Janice Madon |
| Retail | Jennifer Wong, Heather Reisman, Andrea Limbardi |
| Food & Restaurants | Susan Senecal, Kathryn Chayka, Annemarie Swijtink |
| Legal Services | Anik Trudel, Pascale Pageau |
| Real Estate | Cecilia Williams, Renée Merrifield |
| Aviation | Deborah Flint, Tamara Vrooman, Joyce Carter |
| Nonprofit | Mitzie Hunter, Andrea Seale, Trish Barbato |
| Arts & Culture | Annabelle Cloutier, Prem Gill, Janis Goldie |
Female CEO vs Woman CEO: Which Term Is Correct?
Several different phrases are used when people search for this topic.
Female CEO
Female CEO is widely used and grammatically correct.
Example:
She is the first female CEO of the company.
Woman CEO
Woman CEO is also widely used and may be preferred when describing an individual.
Example:
Canada has many successful women serving as CEOs.
Women CEOs
When discussing multiple chief executives, women CEOs is the most natural phrase.
For example:
This article profiles 100 women CEOs in Canada.
Female CEOs
Female CEOs is also grammatically correct and commonly used.
Female Chief Executive
A female chief executive simply means a woman who holds the Chief Executive Officer position.
Lady CEO
People also search for phrases such as lady CEO, although the expression is more informal.
CEO Lady
CEO lady appears in search data but is not typically used in professional Canadian business writing.
The most natural terms are:
woman CEO, women CEOs, female CEO, female CEOs, or chief executive.
What Does a CEO Do?
A CEO is usually the highest-ranking executive responsible for an organization.
Typical responsibilities include:
- establishing long-term strategy;
- overseeing senior management;
- allocating capital;
- managing risk;
- approving significant investments;
- communicating with directors;
- monitoring organizational performance;
- building corporate culture;
- representing the organization externally;
- planning for future growth.
In most corporations, the CEO reports directly to the board of directors.
Why Are There Still Fewer Women CEOs?
Canada has made substantial progress in increasing women in corporate leadership, but reaching the CEO position remains considerably less common.
Several factors contribute to the gap.
Smaller Executive Pipeline
CEO candidates usually emerge from senior executive roles.
If women are underrepresented in positions such as COO, CFO, division president, or business-unit leader, there are naturally fewer women in the pool from which boards select CEOs.
Access to Operational Roles
Boards frequently prefer CEO candidates who have managed:
- revenue;
- operations;
- large teams;
- profit-and-loss responsibilities;
- acquisitions;
- large divisions.
Giving more women access to these roles can strengthen the future CEO pipeline.
CEO Turnover Is Slow
Most organizations replace their chief executive relatively infrequently.
Even if succession pipelines become significantly more diverse, representation can therefore take years to change.
Sponsorship and Networks
Executive careers can also be influenced by professional networks and sponsorship.
Senior leaders who actively recommend high-potential executives for major assignments can significantly affect who eventually reaches CEO consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Women CEOs in Canada
Who are some famous women CEOs in Canada?
Prominent examples include Tracy Robinson of CN, Nancy Southern of ATCO, Jennifer Wong of Aritzia, Deborah Flint of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Heather Reisman of Indigo, Megan Telford of Hydro One, and Susan Senecal of A&W Food Services of Canada.
Are there female CEOs in Canada's largest companies?
Yes.
Several large Canadian public companies are currently led by women, including CN, ATCO, Aritzia, Element Fleet Management, Allied Properties REIT, and others.
However, women continue to represent a relatively small share of CEOs at Canada's largest listed companies.
Are there women CEOs in Canadian technology?
Yes.
Canadian women currently lead companies in artificial intelligence, SaaS, construction technology, robotics, clean technology, legal technology, podcast technology, and other technology sectors.
Examples include Shelby Austin, Mallorie Brodie, Julie Angus, Erin Bury, Amanda Hall, and Fatima Zaidi.
Are there women CEOs in Canada's energy industry?
Yes.
Examples include Nancy Southern of ATCO, Megan Telford of Hydro One, Jana Mosley of Toronto Hydro, and Heather Christie-Burns of Pembina Gas Infrastructure.
Who is the female CEO of CN?
Tracy Robinson is President and Chief Executive Officer of CN.
She became CEO in February 2022 and previously held senior positions at TC Energy and Canadian Pacific Railway.
Who is the female CEO of Aritzia?
Jennifer Wong is CEO of Aritzia.
She became chief executive in 2022 after spending many years inside the Vancouver-based fashion company, including as Chief Operating Officer.
Who is the CEO of ATCO?
Nancy Southern is Chair and Chief Executive Officer of ATCO Ltd.
Who is the CEO of Toronto Pearson Airport?
Deborah Flint is President and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, which operates Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Who is the CEO of McDonald's Canada?
Annemarie Swijtink is President and Chief Executive Officer of McDonald's Restaurants of Canada.
Who is the CEO of Hydro One?
Megan Telford is President and CEO of Hydro One.
Final Thoughts: 100 Women CEOs Shaping Canada
Canada still has significant work to do before women and men are equally represented at the highest levels of corporate leadership.
But focusing exclusively on the leadership gap can sometimes obscure something equally important:
Women are already running consequential Canadian organizations across almost every major industry.
The 100 women CEOs featured here lead railways, utilities, airports, hospitals, fashion companies, restaurants, investment organizations, technology startups, law firms, charities, health organizations, universities, energy infrastructure companies, and national business associations.
Some inherited responsibility for organizations that have existed for generations.
Others created their businesses from nothing.
Some began their careers in boardrooms.
Others started as nurses, engineers, sales associates, doctors, journalists, lawyers, or frontline employees.
There is therefore no single model for what a female CEO in Canada looks like.
What matters is the authority and responsibility attached to the role: making difficult decisions, leading people, allocating resources, managing risk, setting strategy, and determining where an organization goes next.
As more women gain operational experience, build companies, lead major divisions, enter succession pipelines, and take on P&L responsibility, Canada's pool of potential women chief executives should continue to expand.
And the 100 leaders on this list demonstrate that the next generation of Canadian CEOs is already being built.
