The Board of Directors is the governing body which effects and establishes policy for Mississauga Board of Trade. Together with Executive Committee, it serves as the decision maker for the organization, and works to create a meaningful strategic direction and ensure the financial well-being of MBOT.
Directors are collectively the representatives of the membership and are charged with the responsibility of exercising visionary leadership, establishing values and goals, setting policies and procedures, supporting the employees and volunteers of Mississauga Board of Trade, and respecting them as partners in advancing the MBOT mission.
MBOT’s Board of Directors is comprised of individuals with varied business backgrounds and a broad range of skill sets, viewpoints and business expertise. These dedicated individuals represent the business community to promote and further business in Mississauga.
MBOT’s Board of Directors is comprised of member companies represented by individuals with varied business backgrounds covering a broad range of expertise, viewpoints and experience. These dedicated individuals represent Mississauga’s business community. Our Board of Directors is structured to achieve a balanced representation of business sectors and sizes (small, medium and large).
2024 EXECUTIVES
Sameer Sharma is President of Crown Group of Hotels Inc. Besides hotel management his company owns and operates hotels, golf courses and holds development lands with plans for high-rise apartment and condominium construction. The hotels operate with internationally recognized flags such Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental Hotel Group, Wyndham and Choice. The golf courses are spread between Ontario and Nova Scotia. Land holding includes zoned real estate for thousands of units.
Sameer Sharma is President of Crown Group of Hotels Inc. Besides hotel management his company owns and operates hotels, golf courses and holds development lands with plans for high-rise apartment and condominium construction. The hotels operate with internationally recognized flags such Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental Hotel Group, Wyndham and Choice. The golf courses are spread between Ontario and Nova Scotia. Land holding includes zoned real estate for thousands of units.
Jonathan is an Associate Partner at KMB Law and is the leader of the firm’s Employment and Labour Law practice group. He has experience with a wide range of workplace issues and employment-related litigation matters. He has helped both employers and employees with employment and contractor agreements, wrongful dismissal matters, occupational health and safety, accommodation, terminations, investigations, restrictive covenants, workplace policies and workplace human rights. He also advises on employment law aspects of corporate transactions.
Jonathan is an Associate Partner at KMB Law and is the leader of the firm’s Employment and Labour Law practice group. He has experience with a wide range of workplace issues and employment-related litigation matters. He has helped both employers and employees with employment and contractor agreements, wrongful dismissal matters, occupational health and safety, accommodation, terminations, investigations, restrictive covenants, workplace policies and workplace human rights. He also advises on employment law aspects of corporate transactions.
Steve Rhone has been a vital part of Weston Forest for over 30 years, beginning with a junior role as a labourer in Operations. Since then he has held management roles in every part of the company, including turns as Mill Manager, Night Shift Supervisor, Hardwood Product Manager, US Sales Manager, Vice President of Finance and Operations, and his current role as President.
Steve Rhone has been a vital part of Weston Forest for over 30 years, beginning with a junior role as a labourer in Operations. Since then he has held management roles in every part of the company, including turns as Mill Manager, Night Shift Supervisor, Hardwood Product Manager, US Sales Manager, Vice President of Finance and Operations, and his current role as President.
Crystal Reedie is a Senior Director, Business Financial Services (BFS) Role Strategy. In this role she is responsible for the role design, alignment of business priorities and role strategies, incentives, capability building, enablement, tools and resources for the BFS regional salesforce. Prior to this role Crystal has held various roles at RBC including Vice President, Commercial Financial Services and various roles in Capital Markets and Risk Management.
Crystal Reedie is a Senior Director, Business Financial Services (BFS) Role Strategy. In this role she is responsible for the role design, alignment of business priorities and role strategies, incentives, capability building, enablement, tools and resources for the BFS regional salesforce. Prior to this role Crystal has held various roles at RBC including Vice President, Commercial Financial Services and various roles in Capital Markets and Risk Management.
Adam is the Senior Vice President Commercial at Arthur J. Gallagher , Mississauga Branch. He offers over 30 years of experience in arranging Commercial Insurance Programs and Risk Management Strategies for his commercial clients. Adam has proactively maneuvered his clients through many market fluctuations and industry trends, anticipating the next challenge in order to best position his clients for their ultimate benefit.
Adam is the Senior Vice President Commercial at Arthur J. Gallagher , Mississauga Branch. He offers over 30 years of experience in arranging Commercial Insurance Programs and Risk Management Strategies for his commercial clients. Adam has proactively maneuvered his clients through many market fluctuations and industry trends, anticipating the next challenge in order to best position his clients for their ultimate benefit.
Amanda brings to the University of Toronto Mississauga more than fifteen years’ experience in government relations and higher education administration. After earning a BA at the University of Toronto, where she won the gold medal in Political Science (Vic), and completing a Master’s degree at the University of Alberta, Amanda worked in policy and program development roles in Ontario’s public service.
Amanda brings to the University of Toronto Mississauga more than fifteen years’ experience in government relations and higher education administration. After earning a BA at the University of Toronto, where she won the gold medal in Political Science (Vic), and completing a Master’s degree at the University of Alberta, Amanda worked in policy and program development roles in Ontario’s public service.
Atul Sharma has worked at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority for over four years with a focus on government and stakeholder relations. His 20+ year career includes government, business associations, communications agency work and an entrepreneur. He has sat on different boards and community groups including Indus Community Services. Atul has a post graduate degree in Economics from the University of Ottawa and lives in Mississauga with his wife, Rajini, and their three boys.
Atul Sharma has worked at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority for over four years with a focus on government and stakeholder relations. His 20+ year career includes government, business associations, communications agency work and an entrepreneur. He has sat on different boards and community groups including Indus Community Services. Atul has a post graduate degree in Economics from the University of Ottawa and lives in Mississauga with his wife, Rajini, and their three boys.
Trevor is a not-for-profit senior executive with extensive experience in economic development, and driving domestic and international business growth. He is well versed in government relations, stakeholder engagement and consensus building, having held numerous positions at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce over the past 15 years, most recently as Vice President, Member Services.
Trevor is a not-for-profit senior executive with extensive experience in economic development, and driving domestic and international business growth. He is well versed in government relations, stakeholder engagement and consensus building, having held numerous positions at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce over the past 15 years, most recently as Vice President, Member Services.
DIRECTORS
Gena Restivo is the Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at AstraZeneca Canada Inc., one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies. Gena has more than 20 years’ experience in the biopharmaceutical sector, having held senior leadership roles across Information Technology, Human Resources, Communications and now Corporate Affairs, Government Affairs, & Sustainability. In this role, Gena and team advances important work that supports the health of people, society, and the planet.
Gena Restivo is the Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at AstraZeneca Canada Inc., one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies. Gena has more than 20 years’ experience in the biopharmaceutical sector, having held senior leadership roles across Information Technology, Human Resources, Communications and now Corporate Affairs, Government Affairs, & Sustainability. In this role, Gena and team advances important work that supports the health of people, society, and the planet.
As the VP of Public Affairs at BD, a global leader in medical technology, Robyn leads the development and execution of strategic communications, policy and government relations initiatives. Robyn has over 15 yrs of experience in the hospital and healthcare sector with a proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, influencing policy decisions and managing complex projects.
As the VP of Public Affairs at BD, a global leader in medical technology, Robyn leads the development and execution of strategic communications, policy and government relations initiatives. Robyn has over 15 yrs of experience in the hospital and healthcare sector with a proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, influencing policy decisions and managing complex projects.
Ryan O’Neil Knight has built multiple businesses over the last 10 years and spends a great deal of his time leading and mentoring young entrepreneurs in the community. After starting a social enterprise Detailing Knights, a mobile waterless car cleaning company, Ryan was able to launch his first youth entrepreneurship program called Knighthood Academy. Ryan has been named one of Brampton’s top 40 under 40 and twice nominated for a Business Excellence Award by the Brampton Board of Trade in 2014 and winning in 2019. In 2013, he won the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Toronto Region Board of Trade.
Ryan O’Neil Knight has built multiple businesses over the last 10 years and spends a great deal of his time leading and mentoring young entrepreneurs in the community. After starting a social enterprise Detailing Knights, a mobile waterless car cleaning company, Ryan was able to launch his first youth entrepreneurship program called Knighthood Academy. Ryan has been named one of Brampton’s top 40 under 40 and twice nominated for a Business Excellence Award by the Brampton Board of Trade in 2014 and winning in 2019. In 2013, he won the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Toronto Region Board of Trade.
Malaika Mendonsa is a Partner at Grant Thornton LLP, a member of the firm’s Domestic Corporate Tax Reporting & Advisory Practice. With over 15 years of experience in tax matters affecting multi-national manufacturing and distribution, energy, mining and technology companies in Canada. As a Business and Tax Advisor, Malaika assists public and large private corporate clients with their tax compliance and reporting needs—including tax planning, tax due diligence, tax accounting, domestic tax compliance, financial reporting (IFRS or US GAAP), acquisition structuring and cross-border transactions.
Malaika Mendonsa is a Partner at Grant Thornton LLP, a member of the firm’s Domestic Corporate Tax Reporting & Advisory Practice. With over 15 years of experience in tax matters affecting multi-national manufacturing and distribution, energy, mining and technology companies in Canada. As a Business and Tax Advisor, Malaika assists public and large private corporate clients with their tax compliance and reporting needs—including tax planning, tax due diligence, tax accounting, domestic tax compliance, financial reporting (IFRS or US GAAP), acquisition structuring and cross-border transactions.
Paul Hainer is the President of Insuranceland Inc, a family owned and operated Insurance Brokerage. Insuranceland currently employs 23 staff members, works with 10+ insurance companies, and 15+ groups and associations to offer insurance rates with the best coverage. Insuranceland Inc. is an affinity partner of the Mississauga Board of Trade. Paul belongs to a Mastermind group of 11 fellow owners of Insurance brokerages. He has always given back to the community and is one of the three leaders of the charity ‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas Foundation.
Paul Hainer is the President of Insuranceland Inc, a family owned and operated Insurance Brokerage. Insuranceland currently employs 23 staff members, works with 10+ insurance companies, and 15+ groups and associations to offer insurance rates with the best coverage. Insuranceland Inc. is an affinity partner of the Mississauga Board of Trade. Paul belongs to a Mastermind group of 11 fellow owners of Insurance brokerages. He has always given back to the community and is one of the three leaders of the charity ‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas Foundation.
Adriano Mazzorato is the Director of Industrial & Commercial Construction at Kaneff Properties Limited and leads the organizations ICI (Institutional/Commercial/Industrial) new development and construction portfolio. He is a Professional Engineer certified by PEO authorized to practice in the Civil/Structural Engineering fields. Adriano has vast experience in engineering consulting, project management of large-scale construction projects ranging from retail/commercial office/institutional/health care/industrial space including laboratories, as well as real estate development. He has also sat on internal advisory boards to assist young engineers in attaining their professional designation.
Adriano Mazzorato is the Director of Industrial & Commercial Construction at Kaneff Properties Limited and leads the organizations ICI (Institutional/Commercial/Industrial) new development and construction portfolio. He is a Professional Engineer certified by PEO authorized to practice in the Civil/Structural Engineering fields. Adriano has vast experience in engineering consulting, project management of large-scale construction projects ranging from retail/commercial office/institutional/health care/industrial space including laboratories, as well as real estate development. He has also sat on internal advisory boards to assist young engineers in attaining their professional designation.
John is the third-generation owner and president of McKenna Logistics Centres. He has also served on the board of the International Warehouse Logistics Association and its Canadian Council. John is a part-time professor at Humber College in the faculty of business and the supply chain management program. He also advises the CEO of Trillium Health Partners and is a member of the Interim Governing Council for Mississauga’s Ontario Health Team. John received his MBA from Ivey Business School. In 2015 and was awarded Business Person of the Year by the Mississauga Board of Trade.
John is the third-generation owner and president of McKenna Logistics Centres. He has also served on the board of the International Warehouse Logistics Association and its Canadian Council. John is a part-time professor at Humber College in the faculty of business and the supply chain management program. He also advises the CEO of Trillium Health Partners and is a member of the Interim Governing Council for Mississauga’s Ontario Health Team. John received his MBA from Ivey Business School. In 2015 and was awarded Business Person of the Year by the Mississauga Board of Trade.
A passionate and driven individual, Janet Wardle became CEO and President of MHI Canada in April 2019 where she started out as Director of Supply Chain and then Vice President/ General Manager. MHICA’s facilities include a 270,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacture and assembly facility and complimented by another over 200,000 square foot of warehousing, technical school and office space
A passionate and driven individual, Janet Wardle became CEO and President of MHI Canada in April 2019 where she started out as Director of Supply Chain and then Vice President/ General Manager. MHICA’s facilities include a 270,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacture and assembly facility and complimented by another over 200,000 square foot of warehousing, technical school and office space
Paul (Paolo) Meo is President and CEO of NTN Bearing Corporation of Canada, overlooking both the sales and manufacturing operations headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario. Meo is a graduate of York University’s Schulich Executive Program, and the CMOE (Centre for Management & Organization Effectiveness). Meo started his career with NTN 37 years ago, playing a pivotal role in NTN’s continuous growth and expansion in the Canadian bearing market.
Paul (Paolo) Meo is President and CEO of NTN Bearing Corporation of Canada, overlooking both the sales and manufacturing operations headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario. Meo is a graduate of York University’s Schulich Executive Program, and the CMOE (Centre for Management & Organization Effectiveness). Meo started his career with NTN 37 years ago, playing a pivotal role in NTN’s continuous growth and expansion in the Canadian bearing market.
Anthony Petrucci is the President of Palma Pasta. Operating since 1985, Palma Pasta is an Italian Food processor with a plant in Mississauga complemented by four corporately owned retail stores in the GTA. Under Anthony’s leadership, Palma Pasta is actively involved in community fundraising initiatives specifically the Trillium Health Foundation for the benefit of both the Trillium Hospital and Credit Valley Hospital.
Anthony Petrucci is the President of Palma Pasta. Operating since 1985, Palma Pasta is an Italian Food processor with a plant in Mississauga complemented by four corporately owned retail stores in the GTA. Under Anthony’s leadership, Palma Pasta is actively involved in community fundraising initiatives specifically the Trillium Health Foundation for the benefit of both the Trillium Hospital and Credit Valley Hospital.
Joanne is a passionate leader with over 20 years experience working in post-secondary education. She leads many institutional-wide strategic initiatives and has supported tens of thousands of students who now work in our local communities. With a Master of Education, Post-Secondary Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland, she continues to be a collaborator and connector between students, Sheridan and the business community.
Joanne is a passionate leader with over 20 years experience working in post-secondary education. She leads many institutional-wide strategic initiatives and has supported tens of thousands of students who now work in our local communities. With a Master of Education, Post-Secondary Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland, she continues to be a collaborator and connector between students, Sheridan and the business community.
Ross Thomas is an experienced commercial banking executive servicing mid-market commercial companies in creating and executing banking solutions for over 20 years. He leads a strong team of Business Bankers based in Mississauga, with an in-house risk management team that has the ability to structure and fund working capital, term debt, treasury solutions, commercial mortgages and mergers and acquisitions. He has diverse experience working with a variety of industries in Mississauga, while also managing TD’s mid-market Food and Beverage portfolio in the GTA. He graduated with Bachelor in Commerce degree from McMaster University in 2001.
Ross Thomas is an experienced commercial banking executive servicing mid-market commercial companies in creating and executing banking solutions for over 20 years. He leads a strong team of Business Bankers based in Mississauga, with an in-house risk management team that has the ability to structure and fund working capital, term debt, treasury solutions, commercial mortgages and mergers and acquisitions. He has diverse experience working with a variety of industries in Mississauga, while also managing TD’s mid-market Food and Beverage portfolio in the GTA. He graduated with Bachelor in Commerce degree from McMaster University in 2001.
