Welcome  

---

On behalf of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, I am honoured to welcome you all to the 2024 Canadian Business Leader Awards.   

We are thrilled to have you with us as we celebrate the exceptional achievements of Canada’s business leaders. These individuals raise the standards of innovation and entrepreneurship and continually demonstrate their commitment to the success of our shared future. I know that the stories of purpose, passion and perseverance shared by this year’s award recipients will serve as a testament to the excellence of the Canadian business community.  

This evening, we recognize the remarkable contributions of Penny Wise and John Sullivan. Both honourees exemplify the values of excellence, innovation, collaboration and leadership. These values are also the foundation of the Canadian Chamber’s continued commitment to building thriving businesses, a strong economy and a better life for all Canadians.  

I would like to thank the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, our esteemed sponsors and all those whose dedication has made tonight’s event possible. Please enjoy yourselves as you participate in what is sure to be a memorable evening!

Hon. Perrin Beatty
President and CEO 
Canadian Chamber of Commerce 

Evening Program

---

5:00 p.m.	Cocktail Reception
6:15 p.m.	Opening Remarks by Catherine Clark and Perrin Beatty
6:45 p.m.	Presentation of the Canadian Business Leader of the Year Award
7:10 p.m.	Main Course, Followed by Dessert, Coffee and Tea, with Instrumental Entertainment by the Supersonic Hearts Band
8:05 p.m.	Presentation of the Canadian Business Leader Lifetime Achievement Award
8:35 p.m.	Event Concludes

About the Canadian Business Leader Awards 

---

Our Canadian Business Leader of the Year Award and Canadian Business Leader Lifetime Achievement Award were established to celebrate and recognize Canadian business executives at the top of their fields who have distinguished themselves through stellar corporate leadership and meaningful contributions to their communities. 

Past Recipients  

---

Canadian Business Leader of the Year Award and Canadian Business Leader Lifetime Achievement Award. 

2024 Honourees | Toronto, ON  

---

Canadian Business Leader of the Year

Penny Wise 
President
3M Canada  

Penny Wise was appointed President of 3M Canada in January 2020. She has held a variety of progressive senior leadership roles in business, commercialization, brand and corporate marketing, including the former Executive Director of the Canadian Consumer business group. In 2021, Penny established a cadence of 3M STEMtalk workshops — bringing together a multidisciplinary cohort of Canadian industry leaders to explore barriers to equitable access to STEM education for underrepresented communities and ideate actionable solutions to remove those barriers. As a result, 3M is working with partners to look at the way STEM is taught and accessed in Canada, to help influence the move from STEM role models to champions, and to rally more partners to join them in their efforts. Penny is Co-Chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Council for Women’s Advocacy, which helps bring the perspectives of women to national policy and drive meaningful action to address the identified issues and barriers facing women. 

Canadian Business Leader Lifetime Achievement Award    

John Sullivan
Retired President and CEO  
Cadillac Fairview  

John Sullivan brings more than 35 years of real estate experience in acquisitions and dispositions, asset management and development, and for the past 13 years was President and CEO at Cadillac Fairview. During his tenure as CEO, Sullivan oversaw the company’s strategic evolution, creating community hubs around retail, housing, services, office spaces and transit. Most recently, Sullivan steered CF through its most challenging period in modern history, the COVID-19 pandemic. John holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from Concordia University, a Master of Business Administration degree from McGill University and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. John sits on the boards of MAF Properties (Middle East) and the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto). 

About the Supersonic Hearts Band  

With years of experience in the industry, the Supersonic Hearts Band are live music experts and party starters. They infuse every event with energy and fun, and pride themselves on filling dance floors!  From jazz and R&B to rock and contemporary, there is always something special in store when these musicians take the stage. 

Thank You to Our Sponsors