Manufacturers and Exporters Announce New Association Leadership

TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), Canada's largest and most influential industry and trade association is pleased to announce the appointment of Dennis Darby as President & Chief Executive Officer effective January 30, 2017.

Dennis joins CME from his role as CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA) where he had a proven track record of strengthening the association and growing membership through the development of programs and services that support member success, and advocating public policy improvements for association members. He also has extensive experience in manufacturing through a 24 year career with Procter & Gamble that began as a product engineer and reached the position of Director of North American External Relations.

Dennis graduated from McMaster University in 1984 with a degree in Chemical Engineering and Management, and he is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario. He achieved the Institute of Corporate Directors Designation from the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto in 2011.

Quotes
Rhonda Barnet, Chair, National Board, CME: "We are extremely pleased that Dennis will be taking over the leadership of CME. He joins the association at a critical time for Canadian manufacturing as the sector is undergoing rapid change and transition. To be globally competitive, to serve changing customer expectations, and to grow and be profitable, our sector must continue to invest in its people, processes and products. Innovation and the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies is central to this transformation. This was the focus of our Industrie 2030 consultation and strategy on the future of manufacturing in Canada, and what our members have told us to focus on. Dennis brings an impressive pedigree with him to this role and we look forward to his leadership in helping us create the competitive business environment and the sustained partnership and engagement between industry and all levels of government that is necessary to support our goal to double manufacturing in Canada by 2030."

Dennis Darby, President & CEO, CME: "Manufacturing remains the cornerstone of the Canadian economy, representing almost one-third of all economic activity. It has been and must continue to be the pillar of innovation, of wealth creation and of prosperity for Canada. As detailed in our Industrie 2030 strategy, for manufacturing to succeed, it must evolve continuously. We need to inspire entrepreneurs, investors, inventors and companies to competitively create and manufacture products people will use, not just in Canada, but around the world. We will work together with governments to support our vision and the central role that manufacturing continues to play in Canada. I look forward to leading this organization as it focuses on these issues, the issues of manufacturers and our members, and helping them sustainably grow and prosper."

About CME
Since 1871, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters has been helping manufacturers grow at home and thrive around the world. In 2016, CME released Industrie 2030 – a roadmap for doubling Canadian manufacturing activity by 2030. Our focus is to ensure the sector is dynamic, profitable, productive, innovative and growing. We aim to do this by strengthening the labour force, accelerating the adoption of advanced technology, supporting product commercialization, expanding marketplaces and, most importantly, ensuring a globally-competitive business environment. CME is a member-driven association that directly represents more than 2,500 leading companies who account for an estimated 82 per cent of manufacturing output and 90 per cent of Canada's exports. 

SOURCE Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

Marie Morden, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Tel: [phone], [email protected]