Catalyst has announced the appointment of Vandana Juneja as the Executive Director of its non-profit organisation in Canada.
Juneja brings more than a decade of experience in leading diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Catalyst and around the globe. In her new role, she will lead the growth of Catalyst in Canada, working closely with CEOs, senior executives, and supporter organisations across the country to accelerate progress for women through workplace inclusion.
“We’re excited to have Vandana lead Catalyst in Canada,” stated Catalyst President and CEO Lorraine Hariton. “We’ve had the benefit of her broad knowledge and expertise at Catalyst for nearly a decade. She’s a recognised leader in Canada and around the globe and understands the very real challenges of the workplace today.”
“Vandana has been instrumental in creating and leading our strategic initiatives and programming around the globe, and we know she’ll be the strong leader Catalyst Canada needs to guide it into the future,” added Tanya van Biesen, Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Engagement and former Catalyst Canada Executive Director.
CREATING EQUITABLE WORKPLACE
Commenting on the appointment, Juneja stated: “I am delighted to take on this important role at such a pivotal time of change and opportunity, as diversity and inclusion strategies rise to the top of corporate agendas everywhere. If the pandemic and movement for social justice have taught us anything, it’s that policies and promises are no longer enough. Companies and leaders must take bold, meaningful actions to create equitable workplaces where everyone has a voice and an opportunity to succeed.”
Women continue to be “chronically underrepresented in key leadership roles across corporate Canada, and Covid-19 has exposed the inequities that exist across gender, race and ethnicity”, added Juneja. “As business leaders, we are in a unique position to help make the future more equitable for everyone. At this pivotal time, it is an honour to continue my passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, working alongside the Catalyst supporter community to advance our mission of accelerating progress for women through workplace inclusion. I continue to learn from many leaders – supporters, clients, colleagues, family and friends. My gratitude goes to each individual who has impacted my journey along the way.”
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION EXPERTISE
A sought-after speaker on diversity and inclusion-related topics, Juneja is a trusted business leader who has guided diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies around the globe, including in Canada, the US, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. She joined Catalyst in 2013, working with Catalyst supporter communities in progressive roles, advancing to VP of Global Growth Markets in 2017.
Prior to joining Catalyst, Juneja practiced immigration law, working with clients across a broad range of industries. She has worked in the Diversity and Inclusion groups of two well-known Canadian banks, where she focused on gender initiatives and advising Employee Resource Groups. Juneja holds a BComm from McMaster University, an MBA from the University of Windsor, and an LLB from the University of Ottawa.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Catalyst also welcomes four new members to its advisory board in Canada. They include Tabatha Bull, President & CEO of Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business; Nan DasGupta, Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG Toronto; Jennifer R. Jackson, President, Capital One Canada and David B. Simmonds, Visiting Professor, Western’s School of Advanced Studies, and Senior Advisor, Canadian Centre for the Purpose of the Corporation.
The new appointees join the following Advisory Board members of Catalyst Canada:
- Beth Wilson, Canada CEO, Dentons (Chair)
- Darryl White, CEO, BMO Financial Group (Vice Chair)
- Suzanne Bergeron, President, Sodexo Canada
- Mirko Bibic, President & CEO, BCE Inc. & Bell Canada
- Rola Dagher, Global Channel Chief, Dell Technologies
- Victor G. Dodig, President and CEO, CIBC
- Suzanne Fortier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, McGill University
- Lorraine Hariton, President & CEO, Catalyst
- Linda S. Hasenfratz, CEO, Linamar Corporation
- Beth Horowitz, Non-Executive Director, HSBC Bank Canada
- Goldy Hyder, President & CEO, Business Council of Canada
- Vandana Juneja, Executive Director, Catalyst Canada
- Elio Luongo, CEO and Senior Partner, KPMG LLP Canada
- David I. McKay, President and CEO, RBC
- Lorraine Mitchelmore, Corporate Director and former President, Shell Canada Ltd.
- Al Monaco, President and CEO, Enbridge Inc.
- Ellen J. Moore, President, Chubb Insurance Company of Canada
- David Pathe, President & CEO, Sherritt International
- Jeffrey S. Russell, Senior Managing Director, President & CEO, Canada Accenture
- Tanya van Biesen, Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Engagement, Catalyst
- Anthony Viel, Managing Partner and Chief Executive, Deloitte Canada
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