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BC CFO OF THE YEAR LARGE PUBLIC COMPANY
Nomination remarks from Shayne Gregg, partner, enterprise risk, Deloitte:
John Currie
Why should this person be considered one of B.C.’s CFOs of the Year? Bringing his wealth of experience from Intrawest, John is truly a well-rounded CFO who is responsible for a number of areas beyond just accounting. He brings a sound business mind to an executive team deep in apparel production and distribution expertise and also finds time to lead the organization in other areas such as finance, leasing and information technology.
CFO, Lululemon Athletica Inc.
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ince joining Lululemon Athletica Inc. in 2007, CFO John Currie has helped drive company revenue’s 35% compound annual growth rate. “His capacity for strategic thinking about growth and how to invest in a premium brand are a unique skill set and have helped direct Lululemon to not only be a highgrowth business model, but to deliver a worldclass operating margin while growing,” said Deloitte partner, enterprise risk, Shayne Gregg in nominating Currie. In his four years at Lululemon, Currie has built strong teams in finance, accounting, IT and store development
How has the nominee contributed to the strategic direction of the organization? John and the executive team have created a disciplined strategic planning process that is focused on high-quality growth with a scorecard that measures the hard and soft metrics, allowing the company to respond to opportunity and issues in a timely manner.
by hiring and developing top talent. With a keen eye for opportunity, Currie leveraged his real estate knowledge during the recession to renegotiate leases to increase bottom-line profitability.
PRIVATE COMPANY
Stephen Mavety CFO, uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs, Ltd.
I
n his 12 years at uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs Ltd. (uniPHARM), CFO Stephen Mavety has been responsible for
May 3–9, 2011
the implementation of advanced business procedures and technologies that have allowed uniPHARM to leverage a wealth of new
How has the nominee demonstrated sound business ethics? John demonstrates transparency in communications with the marketplace. He responded quickly to the recessionary conditions, developing a solid plan that allowed the company to exceed expectations for the past eight quarters which created an environment of trust and credibility.
Prior to his current role, Currie worked for resort and leisure travelprovider Intrawest Corp. for a decade, first as senior vice-president, financing and taxation, from 1997 to 2004 and then as CFO from 2004 to 2006.
Before that, Currie, a chartered accountant, held senior financial positions with telecommunications service provider BCE Group. In 2009, Currie won a Deloitte alumni award, honouring his “outstand-
ing leadership qualities” in helping his organization “grow and win in the marketplace”. Currie, who received his bachelor of commerce
degree from the University of British Columbia, volunteers with Kiwanis International, Big Brothers and Vancouver Water Ski Club’s kids camp. Ą
business opportunities. In 2002, it was Mavety’s responsibility to implement an integrated business system that would improve the business processes and data quality in order that the company could adopt industry best practices in terms of planning, business intelligence, web
ordering and operational supply chain efficiency including EDI and EFT. The launch was on time and on budget with return on investment within five years. This past year Mavety played a pivotal role in setting up a financial entity with its business goal being to provide investment management services to grow and to sustain the member base of uniPHARM while also growing opportunity for its investors within the retail pharmacy sector. Mavety worked closely with the company’s bank, accountants, and lawyers to incorporate this company and establish the framework under which acquisitions and investment management services would be facilitated. This new venture, uniCAP Investments Ltd., was incorporated as
a wholly owned subsidiary of uniPHARM and to date it has acquired one pharmacy, secured the premise for another pharmacy and is currently negotiating the purchase of a second pharmacy to move to the new premise. “Mavety is the benchmark for servant leadership,” said Deborah Kerr, director of retail operations, uniPHARM.
He empowers the people around him to believe they are capable of greatness. Without ego, and without personal agenda, Stephen consistently helps others achieve their goals. He quietly anticipates what needs to be done and then with unrelenting patience and tenacity he plays a major role in leading you and your team to achieve exemplary results.” Ą
Nomination remarks from Deborah Kerr, director of retail operations, uniPHARM: Please list any significant awards or achievements that should be considered The biggest accomplishment that Stephen has achieved, and it has had a huge positive impact on uniPHARM, was our successful nomination/designation of being one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies. In his role as the executive sponsor, since 2006 when uniPHARM first applied for this designation, the company has requalified and held this award for five consecutive years. How has the nominee demonstrated sound business ethics? Under Stephen’s direction, the company has implemented the following best practices: a steering committee to review on-going and future projects; business ownership guidelines to ensure accountability for projects; the Technology Evergreen Program that formalizes the replacement or upgrade of company technology; and training programs that follow a predetermined structure prepared by the business owners based on actual workflows. Why should this person be considered one of B.C.’s CFOs of the Year? His budgeting and financial management skills are reflective in the financial competency of the company and he champions the practical use of technology for improving business processes and delivering cost savings.