People

Gary McDonald

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

A results- oriented business executive with over 25 years experience building businesses across diverse sectors, markets, and industries. Experience emanates from a disciplined consumer packaged goods marketing background, which has been parlayed into leadership roles in Canada, U.S., Latin America and Europe. Has proven skills to drive top-line growth by creating winning strategies and teams, managing successful implementations, and delivering financial and business results. A strong relationship manager with the ability to leverage a broad network of business contacts. Understands that to be successful, execution is critical, and is best achieved through motivated individuals and teams. Described as; visionary, focused, sales oriented, inspiring, and an excellent communicator.

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Led the Americas region of an International Financial Services company to 3 consecutive years of double digit profit growth. Reversed a ($4.5 M) loss in 1997 to profits of $4.4 M 1998, $12.4 M 1999, and $20.2 M (USD.) 2000.
  • Developed and grew an innovative online payments solution (Virtual Trading Desk) into a dynamic and highly profitable B2B business unit in North America. Profit increased by 106% from $5.6 M to $11.5 M (1999/2000) with 80% derived from the US market.
  • Led the development and implementation of a global strategy designed to transform an inefficient traditional business into a technology driven market leader. Business was successfully sold in 2001 for £445 M, an increase of 2½ times the pre-plan external valuation.
  • Steered a retail travel business (300 franchised and company-owned branches) to profitability through the industries most disruptive period; 9/11, SARS, and airline commission cuts.
  • First Executive Director of "Friends of the Environment", a not-for- profit Canada Trust Foundation providing funds to community based projects. Funds collected and dispersed exceeded $4M.
  • Developed and managed nationally televised event sponsorships for Sunlife, including; "Stars on Ice" "Skate Canada" and "The Nationals" tennis championship.
  • Product managed several recognized consumer brands and launched new products such as Cadbury Crème Eggs and Mini Eggs, Wunderbar, and Dairy Milk Chocolates.

CAREER PATH

  • SPF MANAGEMENT (Interim Assignments)
    Merged to form Synergy in 2006
    American Express; VP Rel.Mgmt. (Corp.Cards) Signature Vacations; VP Sales & Marketing
    Oct. 2003 - Present
  • THOMAS COOK TRAVEL (President & CEO) 2001 - 2003
  • THOMAS COOK FINANCIAL (President & CEO) 1998 - 2001
  • THOMAS COOK UK (EVP Global Mktg & Strategy) 1995 - 1998
  • CANADA TRUST (VP Marketing) 1992 - 1995
  • SUNLIFE FINACIAL (Dir of Mktg. & Comm.) 1988 - 1992
  • CADBURY SCHWEPPES (Brand Mgr.)1981 - 1988
  • BOWATER SCOTT PAPER (Product Mgr.)1975 - 1981

EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Int'l Business, INSEAD, France, 1999
  • Graduate in Management Studies, Canadian School of Management, 1984
  • Sales and Marketing, Sheridan College, 1981