Elite women lead change in Canadian finance

Benefits and Pension Monitor has announced its inaugural 2024 list of Elite Women in the Benefits, Pensions, and Institutional Investments Industry.  

This list celebrates 45 influential women leaders who are committed to excellence and innovation in the sector.   

Roxana Nache, a national director of wealth at Canada Life, commented on the significance of the report, emphasizing the need for solidarity among women in the industry.  

“We need to be each other’s greatest allies and cheerleaders,” she stated. The industry, she noted, has made significant progress, but there is still much to be done.   

These Elite Women are known for their authenticity, their commitment to diversity, and their transformative impact on industry standards. They have been instrumental in:   

• Prioritizing gender equality and equity. 

• Promoting an inclusive workplace environment. 

• Focusing on mentorship. 

• Achieving extraordinary results for their organizations. 

• Innovating new products and solutions. 

Among the awardees is Helen Hurlbut, co-founder, and CFO of Equiton. With over three decades in the real estate business, Hurlbut has been a trailblazer, growing Equiton from three employees to over 190 and reaching $1bn in assets under management within ten years.  

She highlights the importance of female representation in the industry and her commitment to empowering women.   

Christina Iacoucci, head of Canada and Canadian CIO at BGO, marks another notable leader. As the first female CIO in BGO’s 100-year history, Iacoucci has pushed the boundaries of real estate investment, particularly in sustainability and technology.  

She shares her personal challenges, including partial deafness, to inspire others to overcome their barriers.   

Gayle Shurvell of Alberta Health Services manages employee benefits and retirement programs with a commitment to innovation and quality. She believes in making changes that create smoother paths for future leaders in the financial sector.   

Anne Meloche, heading Sun Life Global Investments' institutional business, has also made significant strides, particularly with the transformation of $11bn into institutional pooled funds. Meloche places great emphasis on talent management and diversity of thought.   

Marie-Chantal Côté, senior vice president of Group Benefits at Sun Life Canada, focuses on creating inclusive spaces within the workplace. Her leadership has introduced mental health and diversity initiatives, greatly enhancing workplace dynamics and equity.   

These women are not just leading within their respective fields; they are also setting the stage for future generations of women leaders in the financial services industry.  

Their dedication to breaking down barriers and setting new standards is reshaping the landscape of Canadian financial services, proving that a more inclusive and diverse industry is not only possible but beneficial for everyone.