Candace Laing named new President and CEO of Canadian Chamber of Commerce

In a significant transition, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has named Candace Laing as its new President and Chief Executive, effective September 1. This appointment ushers in a new era for the organization as Perrin Beatty steps down following an impressive 17-year tenure.

Candace Laing, born and raised in the province of Saskatchewan, brings a wealth of experience from both the private and public sectors. Her roots trace back to a longstanding family farming operation, grounding her with a deep understanding of Canadian industry. With over two decades of executive experience, Laing’s career includes significant roles at Nutrien Ltd. and its predecessor, the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan. At Nutrien, she was Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, and Vice President of Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations, overseeing global sustainability strategy and government and community relations. Laing was instrumental in merging two legacy companies to form the global entity, Nutrien, showcasing her capability in navigating complex organizational landscapes.

Laing’s involvement with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has been extensive. Joining the board of directors in 2019, she quickly rose to Vice-Chair in 2021 and became the elected Chair of the Board of Directors in 2022. Her leadership was pivotal in driving governance reform and modernizing the Board, further proving her commitment and vision for the organization.

Penny Wise, Chair of the CEO Search Committee and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors, expressed enthusiasm about Laing’s appointment. “Candace is a next-generation leader with a strong Canadian business background. She has extensive experience making decisions across complex organizations, which will help us build on our existing strengths and meet the challenges facing Canadian businesses and families.”

Laing, in her statement, acknowledged the critical juncture at which she takes on this role. “Both my work with the Canadian Chamber and my experience in business have shown me our country’s enormous potential, but now more than ever, Canada’s businesses of all sizes need a champion like the Canadian Chamber.”

Perrin Beatty, the outgoing President and CEO, endorsed Laing’s appointment, praising her intelligence, energy, and commitment. “There’s nobody who’s better qualified to take the Canadian Chamber to the next level.”

As Laing prepares to assume her new role in Ottawa, coinciding with the Canadian Chamber’s 100th anniversary, the Board is deliberating on how to fill the Chair’s duties until the election of a new Chair at the AGM in October. The chamber, representing over 200,000 businesses across various sectors and industries, stands as one of Canada’s largest business associations. With Laing at the helm, the future looks promising for this pivotal institution.