TEN TO WATCH
BY GEOFF KIRBYSON
EVERY heavy hitter in Manitoba business has been, at some point early in their careers, a “person to watch.”
Through a combination of hard work, being in the right place at the right time and often milking your contacts for all they’re worth, you can rise up the ranks to the most powerful business people in the province.
This is an even more inexact science than our other Power lists because we’re attempting to measure potential and look into the future. But after consulting with a variety of experts in the Manitoba business community, we’re willing to put our money on the following ones to watch.
Here they are in alphabetical order:
Kate Fenske, CEO of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ (Business Improvement Zone):
Since assuming the top job nearly six years ago, Fenske has been among a select few to lead the charge to create a thriving downtown. With Portage and Main set to reopen a year from now, her voice will be one trumpeting the opportunities of reimagining Winnipeg’s signature intersection. Her experience as a board member of the Washington, D.C.-based International Downtown Association will certainly help.
Cordella Friesen, president and CEO of the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg:
Just two years into her role, Friesen is working with some of Winnipeg’s heaviest hitters, including Mark Chipman and Gary Doer, on the Heart of the City Capital campaign, which has a goal to raise $15 million to redevelop the downtown facility. Blueprints include expanded child care, youth programming, newcomer services and mental health services. Construction is slated to begin next year with a ribbon-cutting ceremony expected in 2027.
Ben Lee, director of business development at Stantec:
A pillar of Winnipeg’s Chinese community through his work with the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural and Community Centre, Lee is known for getting things done. But he hasn’t limited himself to Chinatown. Lee has also played a prominent role in the reinvigoration of Winnipeg’s downtown core. He has spearheaded about $1 billion in capital projects across a variety of sectors, including biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, air transportation and manufacturing
Amanda Macdonald, vice-president of business development, market intelligence at Economic Development Winnipeg and leader of Yes! Winnipeg:
The 2IC at EDW is playing an integral role in working to attract investment, both foreign direct and national domestic, into Winnipeg. She is also spearheading efforts to attract national businesses to expand to Winnipeg. She believes Manitoba’s ultra-competitive digital media tax credits can grow the city’s creative industries sector.
Shreeraj Patel, vice-president of commercial financial services with the Royal Bank:
You’d think working for the biggest company in Canada would occupy most of Patel’s waking hours but he also carves out time to sit on some important boards. He was recently named vice-chair of CentrePort Canada, just three years after completing his one-year term as the chair of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. His work at CentrePort will undoubtedly boost one of North America’s largest tri-modal inland ports.
Michael Richardson, president and CEO of United Way Winnipeg: Football fans will remember the three years Richardson suited up for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 1990s but his impact off the field advocating for vulnerable young people and families is where he has really left his mark. He hit the ground running a year ago, thanks in part to having worked at United Way agency partners Marymound and Ka Ni Kanichihk. As demand grows for United Way-sponsored services, expect to see Richardson front and centre.
Fabian Sanderson, CEO of First Peoples Economic Growth Fund: As the Indigenous population in the province continues to grow, so, too will Sanderson’s role. With a mandate to provide financing to support First Nation business proposals that are economically viable, he will be head cheer leader for encouraging, promoting, developing and assisting in economic opportunities for First Nations communities
Terry Shaw, regional vice-president for the Prairies for Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters: The former head of the Manitoba Trucking Association assumed his new role this spring, replacing Ron Koslowsky. But Shaw’s role will be larger than that of his predecessor, who oversaw just Manitoba. He oversees arguably the most diversified and export-oriented manufacturing sector in the country and he’ll be looking to expand lean manufacturing, leadership training and safety infrastructure.
Sara Stasiuk, president and CEO of The Forks North Portage: Less than three years into the top job at the not-for-profit responsible for the ownership, management and ongoing renewal of The Forks and North Portage sites, Stasiuk is overseeing the first phase of a housing development at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. It’s all part of a wider effort to convince more people to live downtown. Railside at The Forks is projected to be 10 buildings, including 300 suites on what is currently a parking lot between the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and rail lines.
Joshua Zaporzan, CEO and co-founder of H2MB Inc.: Heading up a company with a vision of becoming a global leader in renewable energy, Zaporzan is working with heavy-emitting industries to decarbonize and reach net-zero.
He is also the board chair of the Young Associates, the province’s premier network of young professionals connected to the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba. He’s also the youngest member of Premier Wab Kinew’s Business & Jobs Advisory Board.
