Kinaxis® Inc. (TSX: KXS), a global leader in end-to-end supply chain orchestration, announced several important updates regarding its board and leadership team, effective January 1, 2025. The company has appointed Lynn Loewen to its Board of Directors and as a member of the Audit Committee. Additionally, Betsy Rafael will not be seeking re-election to the Board at the upcoming 2025 Annual General Meeting due to her other professional and personal commitments.
Leadership and Board Transition
Robert (Bob) Courteau, who serves as the Chair of the Board and Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kinaxis, expressed his enthusiasm about the latest addition to the company’s leadership team. “I’m pleased to welcome Lynn Loewen, an exceptionally qualified individual, to the Kinaxis Board,” said Courteau. “Her experience will be invaluable in ensuring the continued strength of our audit oversight function, as well as strengthening the Board in other critical areas.”
Courteau also took the opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions of Betsy Rafael, who has decided to step down after a successful tenure. “Betsy has been an exceptional board member, and we fully respect her decision to step back due to her professional and personal commitments,” Courteau added. “We greatly appreciate her efforts and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
Lynn Loewen: A Proven Leader with Diverse Experience
Lynn Loewen is a highly accomplished business leader, bringing decades of expertise in executive leadership and corporate governance. Over the course of her career, Loewen has held numerous senior leadership roles in well-known organizations, including Bell Canada and Air Canada Jazz. She most recently served as the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Minogue Medical, a leading provider of medical equipment and solutions.
Kinaxis Announces Changes to Board and Management Team 2025
Loewen’s extensive background in finance and operations includes serving as the President of Expertech Network Installation, Vice President of Finance Operations, and Vice President of Financial Controls at Bell Canada. Additionally, she was the Vice President of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer at Air Canada Jazz. Her career has also included multiple directorships, reflecting her broad and deep expertise.
Currently, Loewen is a Director on the boards of the National Bank of Canada, where she serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee, and Emera Inc., where she is also a member of the Audit Committee. In addition, Loewen is the current Chancellor of Mount Allison University, one of Canada’s leading universities, where she contributes to shaping the academic landscape.
Loewen is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA) and holds the Directors designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD). She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Mount Allison University and has a reputation for her commitment to excellence in governance and corporate stewardship.
Leadership Changes: John Sicard Transitions to Consultancy Role
Kinaxis also provided an update on its CEO transition. After an extraordinary 30-year career with Kinaxis, John Sicard has stepped down from his role as CEO, effective January 1, 2025, and transitioned into a consultancy role with the company. As part of this change, Sicard has also stepped back from his seat on the company’s Board of Directors.
Sicard’s tenure at Kinaxis has been pivotal to the company’s rise as a leader in supply chain orchestration, and Courteau acknowledged his significant contributions. “Much of the credit for Kinaxis’ success in becoming a leader in the supply chain orchestration space goes to John,” said Courteau. “Our work together over the last several months has only deepened my appreciation for his leadership and commitment to the company. I’m thrilled that John will remain with us as a key advisor as we continue to scale Kinaxis in 2025.”
With Sicard’s departure, Courteau has assumed the role of Interim CEO and Chair of the Board while Kinaxis conducts a thorough search for the company’s next permanent CEO. “Our team is committed to ensuring a smooth leadership transition as I take on the interim CEO title. Together with Mark Morgan, our new President of Commercial Operations, and the full management team, we will continue working closely to drive the company forward,” Courteau said.
Courteau emphasized that Sicard will remain a trusted advisor throughout the transition period. “Having John’s expertise and insight as we embark on this next phase is invaluable. The combination of his advisory role, Mark’s leadership, and the continued collaboration with our exceptional management team will provide the continuity and support we need to ensure a seamless transition.”
A Bright Future for Kinaxis
As Kinaxis looks to the future, the company remains focused on maintaining its leadership position in the dynamic and competitive supply chain industry. The transition in leadership is seen as an opportunity to build on the company’s strong foundation, ensuring continued innovation, customer success, and growth.
The search for a new permanent CEO is already underway, with the aim of finding a leader who will guide Kinaxis into its next phase of growth and beyond. In the meantime, Courteau will continue to steer the company through this critical period, with the support of key leaders like Mark Morgan and other members of the management team. Together, they will ensure that Kinaxis remains a driving force in the global supply chain orchestration space.
As the company moves forward, it remains committed to its mission of providing cutting-edge solutions to help businesses optimize their supply chains, delivering the agility, transparency, and resilience required in today’s rapidly changing global market.
In conclusion, the appointments of Lynn Loewen to the Board of Directors and the transition of John Sicard to an advisory role mark significant milestones for Kinaxis. The company is poised for continued success as it adapts to the evolving needs of its customers and the challenges of the global supply chain landscape. With a strong leadership team in place and a clear vision for the future, Kinaxis is ready to continue its journey as an industry leader in supply chain orchestration.