Aecon Group Inc. chairman and founder John M. Beck will not stand for re-election to its board at its annual meeting on June 1. Lead director Scott Thon will step into the role of independent chair, assuming his re-election to the board.

In recognition of his contributions to Aecon over his 60-year career, the board will confer upon Beck the title of “Chairman Emeritus.”

“John has overseen Aecon’s strategic direction and operations for over six decades, providing exceptional leadership through significant transformation and growth. His vision has delivered some of the most remarkable landmark projects of this generation,” Thon said in the announcement. “Throughout his award-winning career, John has established a world-class company with a distinguished reputation as an industry icon. John’s legacy will forever be linked to Aecon’s success.”

After graduating from McGill University’s civil engineering program in 1963, Beck joined his family’s Prefac Concrete business in Montreal and embarked on a strategy of mergers, acquisitions and organic growth. After acquiring the company’s brand predecessor, Armbro, the company was listed on the TSX in 1987. In 2001, Armbro changed its name to Aecon, amalgamating several acquired businesses. 

Thon joined Aecon’s board in 2021 and has served as lead director since 2024. He has held a number of senior positions in the energy sector over the last 40 years, and is currently an executive officer and director of Berkshire Hathaway Energy.

Two new senior leaders for Altus

Altus Group Ltd., has announced two senior leadership appointments. Terrie-Lynn Devonish has been promoted from chief legal officer to also become managing director, Canada, and Jason Lo returns to the firm as general manager, software and data, Canada.

Alongside her current responsibilities, Devonish will define and execute Altus’ Canadian market strategy and help drive revenue growth across its data, analytics and advisory offerings. Since joining the company in 2021, she has helped guide Altus through its strategic transformation.

Lo brings over 30 years of industry experience across real estate, technology and data sectors, including almost 10 years at Altus.

He first joined Altus through the acquisition of RealNet in 2014 and was integral to the launch of Altus Data Studio. During his previous time at Altus, he led the execution of the company's data solutions go-to-market strategy. 

Executives named at Grosvenor

Grosvenor has appointed a new leadership team for Grosvenor Property Canada. Based in Vancouver, the business is focused on delivering major mixed-use and industrial developments across Metro Vancouver and beyond, operations within its investment property portfolio as well as capital deployment.

Implementation of this strategy will be led by Graham Drexel, who takes on chief operating and financial officer responsibilities, supported by a strengthened executive team. 

Robert Duteau has been promoted to executive vice-president, investment, leading investment and asset management across Canada, while Michael Ward is now executive vice-president, development, overseeing development and private capital. Jane Goode has become executive vice-president, people and performance, with responsibility for talent, capability and communication.

“These internal promotions reflect the depth of talent within our Canadian business and our confidence in the opportunities ahead,” James Raynor, chief executive of Grosvenor Property, said in the announcement. “This team brings deep local expertise and a proven track record of growing platforms, delivering complex projects and building strong teams.”

Luongo joins CPP Investments board

CPP Investments has welcomed Elio Luongo as a member of its board of directors.

Luongo has more than three decades of experience in financial services and advisory. He served as CEO and senior partner of KPMG in Canada from 2016 to 2024 and currently serves on the boards of Toronto-Dominion Bank and Tolko Industries. 

In addition, Luongo serves on the board of Unity Health and as chair of the Canadian Centre for Audit Quality.

A graduate of Simon Fraser University, Luongo was recently appointed as the institution's 13th Chancellor and will assume the role later this year. Luongo is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants.

MacLatchy nominated to Chartwell board

Douglas MacLatchy is to join the Chartwell Retirement Residences board as an independent director, along with Rael Diamond, who was appointed to the board as of Jan. 1 and is standing for election for the first time.

MacLatchy has more than 30 years of leadership experience across senior living, real estate and financial services organizations. He previously served as president and CEO of Amica Senior Lifestyles, and as vice-chair of Amica's board of directors. MacLatchy founded and was CEO of BayBridge Senior Living prior to its amalgamation with Amica. 

Earlier, he was CEO of Sunrise Senior Living REIT and held senior leadership and executive roles in a range of real estate and financial services organizations.

Ménard returns to global CEO’s role at Fiera

Fiera Capital Corporation announced the return of Maxime Ménard as global president and CEO following a medical leave of absence.

Gabriel Castiglio, who served as interim global chief executive officer, resumes his role as executive director, global chief operating officer.

"On behalf of the board and the entire Fiera Capital team, I am delighted to welcome Maxime back," Jean-Guy Desjardins, founder of Fiera Capital and executive chair of the board, said in the announcement. "Maxime has the full confidence of the board, and we look forward to the continued execution of our strategic priorities under his leadership. 

“I also want to thank Gabriel Castiglio for his steady and effective stewardship during the interim period, and the broader leadership team for its dedication throughout."

Nickerson joins Skyline Group

Skyline Group of Companies has named financial services industry veteran Chris Nickerson its new senior vice-president, private capital partnerships.

Nickerson will be responsible for building and scaling Skyline’s private client business, driving the development of integrated, regulated wealth capabilities across portfolio management, CIRO-related dealer and registrant pathways, insurance distribution and registrant infrastructure.

His expertise includes asset management and wealth strategy.

Moutamara becomes a VP at MACH

Marc Moutamara has moved to Montreal’s Groupe MACH as vice-president, investments.

His career spans over 25 years, most recently serving as a partner at AMA Capital Group. He also spent over 10 years at Ivanhoé Cambridge as senior vice-president, and was a director at RBC Capital Markets. 

Shariff becomes COO at Hungerford

Irfan A. Shariff has stepped into the role of chief operating officer at Hungerford Properties.

During his decade-long tenure with the firm, Shariff has played an instrumental role in shaping the growth and evolution of Hungerford.

“As Hungerford enters its next phase of growth, I’m excited to take on the role of COO with a focus on strategic planning, institutional execution, and operational excellence,” Shariff said in the announcement. 

ULI Toronto updates its management committee

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) Toronto has unveiled three appointments to its management committee. 

Effective July 1, Kristy Shortall, executive vice-president, development at Northcrest Developments, has been appointed chair of the ULI Toronto Management Committee. 

She will be joined by Signe Leisk, partner at Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, as vice chair, and Ossie Airewele, senior associate at BDP Quadrangle, who joins the executive as chair of mission advancement, supporting the organization’s mission and strategic priorities. 

Shortall succeeds Salima Rawji, outgoing management committee chair, and Tobias Oriwol, senior vice-president, investments at Tricon Residential, who is completing a two-year term as vice-chair.