About

ABOUT

Annette

Farmer's daughter to global change-maker

Introducing Annette Verschuren

From a small-town dairy farmer to a global change-maker, Annette Verschuren has built a career on taking risks, being unapologetically brazen, and prioritizing purpose with profits.

Co-founder of the craft chain, Michaels Canada, former CEO of Home Depot Canada and Asia, Co-Founder of trailblazing clean-tech firm, NRStor, best-selling author and, now, podcaster, Annette has a clear mission to inspire budding leaders to look within, harness their strengths and bet on themselves.

“If there’s one thing that will prevent you from getting results and capitalizing on your best ideas, it’s waiting for the perfect plan. I’ll go out on a limb and say that nothing kills progress like a brilliant strategy that can’t be executed.

– Annette Verschuren

Annette's Timeline

Born in North Sydney Cape Breton NS on June 24, 1956.

Father has heart attack, Annette and her siblings pitch in to run the farm.

At age 16, Annette has her first and second kidney operations. 

At age 20, Annette has her third and forth kidney operations.

Annette graduates from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Starts employment at Cape Breton Development Corporation as a Development Officer. Presents to the Board, mentored by lifelong friend, Purdy Crawford. Coal At the time, mine experience was unusual for a woman and considered to be unlucky by the miners.

Annette makes the move to Toronto.

Marries Erik Haites, divorced in 2001.

Starts with Imasco as VP of Development, goes on to run their retail operations (Den for Men, etc.) before leaving.

Leaves Imasco.

Michael’s of Canada – brings Michael’s to Canada as President and Co-Owner. 

Annette becomes president of Home Depot Canada from January 1996 to February 2011. Grows 19 stores to 179 stores, to over 6 billion in sales. 

Receives Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Receives Doctor of Laws from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Appointed to the Canadian Council for CEOs, through to 2011.

Installed as Chancellor of Cape Breton University.

Awarded Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year for Home Depot by the Retail Council of Canada.

Named Outstanding Business Leader of the Year by Wilfrid Laurier University.

2006 – 2009 becomes president of Home Depot Asia.

Appointed to Liberty Mutual Group Board of Directors.

Awarded Communicator of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators Toronto Chapter, CNW Group.

Leads funding drive for the Verschuren Centre.

Appointed as a member of Jim Flaherty’s Economic Advisory Council for the Federal Government during the economic crisis.

Opens Canada Blooms launch of Martha Stewart products with Martha Stewart. 

Appointed to the Conference Board of Canada through to 2017. 

Named Marketer of the Year by the Canadian Marketing Association (Toronto).

Inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame.

Marries Stan Shibinsky in November,  2010.

Appointed co-chair of the 2012 Governor General’s Leadership Conference.

Leaves Home Depot Canada (February, 2011).

Takes times to travel the world.

In discussions with Northwater Capital.

The Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment opens November, 2011.

NRStor is incorporated, 3 employees at the time to 16 employees currently.

Inducted as Officer of the Order of Canada for her contribution to the retail industry and corporate social responsibility.

Co-Chairs the Governor General’s Leadership Conference.

Receives Living Planet Legacy Award from the World Wildlife Fund.

Appointed to Air Canada Board.

Receives Honorary Doctor of Laws from Carlton University.

Inducted into the Cape Breton Business Hall of Fame.

Appointed to the NorthWest Company Board until 2013.

Appointed Chair of the Venture Capital Expert Panel for the Federal Government in January, 2014.

Appointed to the Saputo Board of Directors.

Appointed CNRL Board of Directors.

Honoured with Public Policy Forum Award in April, 2014.

Rideau Hall Foundation – founding member.

Profiled in Women of Influence in September, 2014.

Receives Honorary Doctor of Laws from Ryerson University.

Co-Chair Smart Prosperity Institute, original funder.

Publishes Bet on Me in April, 2016.

Receives Honorary Doctor of Civil Law from St Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Move NRStor office to MaRS Discovery District.

Appointed to the US Canada Council for the Advancement of Women Business Leaders and Female Entrepreneurs visits Washington with the Council in February, 2017.

Finalist in the National Business Book Award in April, 2017.

Appointed to NAFTA Council for the Federal Government.

Appointed to The Energy Ministerial Advisory Council.

Appointed to Chair of MaRS Discovery District, May 30, 2018.

Receives Honorary Doctor of Laws from York University.

Receives Honorary Doctor of Engineering from University of Ottawa.

Addresses the Ontario Energy Network, May 2019.

Inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.

Appointed to Chair of Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) for the Federal Government, June 2019.

Receives Honorary Doctor of Laws from Concordia University.

Receives Honorary Doctor of Laws from University of Ontario Institute of Technology (Ontario Tech).

Addresses Empire Club of Canada, February 2020.

Lived in Cape Breton since March 2020 to October 2021 due to COVID-19.

Receives Honorary Doctor from Memorial University, postponed due to COVID-19.

Annette Verschuren has been on advisory councils, tables and forums for both federal and provincial governments. This led to her being named and awarded by the Public Policy Forum. She continues to serve our government when asked.

Annette has been involved in the development and support of many not for profits and innovative initiatives.

Annette believes strongly in giving back. She has given many large and small philanthropic donations over the years.

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