Canadian CFOs on the Move - week ending May 27, 2011

Companies with CFOs on the Move this week include: CAE Inc., MBMI Resources Inc., Eldorado Gold Corporation, Imaging Dynamics Company Ltd., Everton Resources Inc., Home Capital Group Inc., Liquid Nutrition Group Inc., Divestco Inc., Sagres Energy Inc., Mistango River Resources, Redzone Resources Ltd., Central Iron Ore Limited, Sonde Resources Corp., PanTerra Resource Corp., Big Eagle Services, Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (CAPREIT), Northern Lion Gold Corp.

CAE Inc. (TSX: CAE, NYSE: CAE) announced the appointment of Stéphane Lefebvre as Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer effective immediately. Mr. Lefebvre replaces Alain Raquepas who is leaving the company. Mr. Lefebvre as been an executive with CAE since 1997, most recently as Vice President, Finance, Military and New Core Markets. Mr. Lefebvre joined CAE as Structured Finance Manager in 1997 and became a director in 2000. Over the years, Mr. Lefebvre has held senior posts with responsibilities in the U.K., Australia and Canada. In 2005, he was named Vice-President, Finance, Military, and, later in the year, he added the responsibility of the Civil Simulation Products segment. CAE provides its military customers simulation products and training services at more than 60 locations worldwide. Mr. Lefebvre sits on a number of CAE boards including Rotorsim, a consortium held by CAE and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company. He is also on the Board of The Helicopter Academy to Train by Simulation of Flying (HATSOFF), a joint venture of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of India and CAE.

MBMI Resources Inc. (TSX-V: MBR) announced that John F. Cook has been appointed as Executive Vice President and interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Cook has held the position of independent director and qualified person of MBMI since March, 2003. A Professional Mining Engineer, Mr. Cook has more than 45 years of extensive experience in all facets of mining development, operations and management. Currently Mr. Cook is the President and CEO of Firebird Resources Inc. and a director of Strategic Resources Inc., Southern Andes Energy Inc., Cerro Resources Inc., Nord Resources Corp., and Homeland Uranium Inc. Past positions include President of San Anton Resources, Chairman of Premier Gold and Chairman of Wolfden Resources Inc. Adrian Rothwell, the Company's former Chief Financial Officer, is resigning due to his other significant work commitments.

Eldorado Gold Corporation (TSX: ELD, NYSE: EGO, ASX:EAU) announced that Ed Miu has resigned his position as Chief Financial Officer to pursue other endeavors. Ed joined Eldorado from Sino Gold in December 2009 and has assisted in the integration of the Sino Gold assets as well as leading the finance department over the past one a half years. Fabiana Chubbs, currently Eldorado's Treasurer and Risk Manager, will be assuming the role of Chief Financial Officer. Fabiana has been serving the Company in the role of Treasurer and Risk Manager. Fabiana joined Eldorado in July 2007 after a long association with the Company in her role of Senior Manager PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit Group.

Imaging Dynamics Company Ltd. (TSX: IDL) announced the appointment of Shameze Rampertab to the Board of Directors of IDC. Mr. Rampertab is a seasoned business finance leader in the healthcare sector with depth of experience in capital markets, finance, strategic planning and analysis. Mr. Rampertab is currently the Vice President Finance & Chief Financial Officer for Intellipharmaceutics International Inc. (NASDAQ:IPCI; TSX:I). Prior to this, he spent 14 years in capital markets serving the life sciences sector.

Everton Resources Inc. (TSX-V: EVR, FRANKFURT: ERV) announced that David Massola was elected to the Board of Directors of the Company. Mr. Massola was the Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer of GlobeStar Mining Corporation between 2006 and 2011. While at GlobeStar, Mr. Massola was active in facilitating Perilya Ltd.'s (ASX:PEM) acquisition and integration of GlobeStar. Prior to joining GlobeStar, Mr. Massola was Chief Financial Officer of De Beers Canada Inc. ("De Beers") where he was in charge of all the financial aspects of the company's Canadian operations. Previous to De Beers, Mr. Massola spent 20 years with BHP-Billiton in various positions in Canada, Chile and the United States. He was Vice President of Finance of BHP-Billiton's Ekati Diamond Mine from 1997 through 2001, responsible for the financial aspects of the mine from the construction period through commercial production.

Home Capital Group Inc. (TSX: HCG) announced the appointment of Robert J. Blowes as Chief Financial Officer of Home Capital and its wholly owned subsidiary, Home Trust Company. Mr. Blowes joined the Company as Senior Vice President, Finance in November 2010. He is an experienced financial executive, having recently retired as a Partner at Ernst & Young, where he served a number of reporting issuers in the financial services and technology sectors over the course of a 35-year career.

Liquid Nutrition Group Inc. (TSX-V: LQD) announced the appointment of Mark O'Hara as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. O’Hara was the Chief Financial Officer for Air Liquide Middle East & North Africa FZCO, based in Dubai, where he led the start-up of all accounting and finance activities in the region. He began his career in public accounting with Price Waterhouse London (England) and Toronto offices.

Divestco Inc. (TSX-V: DVT) announced the departure of its Chief Financial Officer, Roderick Chisholm. For the near to medium term Stephen Popadynetz, the current CEO and President, will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer. Danny Chiarastella, Vice President Finance will report directly to Mr. Popadynetz.

Sagres Energy Inc. (TSX-V: SGI) announced the appointment of Darren Moulds as Chief Financial Officer.  Mr. Moulds is concurrently the Chief Financial Officer with the Forbes Energy Group of Companies. Previously, Darren has held management positions in various financial capacities including the CFO of Africa Oil Corp. and the Financial Controller of Upstream Operations of Centurion Energy International Inc. (Dana Gas).

Mistango River Resources (CNSX: MIS) announced the appointment of Johnny Oliveira as the Chief Financial Officer. Previously, Robert J. Kasner, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, also served as the Corporation's acting Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Oliveira is serving as Controller and/or Chief Financial Officer of several junior mining and exploration companies listed on the CNSX, TSXV and TSX.

Redzone Resources Ltd. (TSX: REZ) reports that Pauline Pasetka has tendered her resignation as Chief Financial Officer, effective July 31, 2011, to pursue other interests. As of August 1, 2011, the Chief Financial Officer role will be assumed by Rebecca Moriarty. Ms. Moriarty is a senior consultant with Malaspina Consultants Inc. Malaspina offers junior public companies, on an out-sourced basis, financial reporting and management services. Prior to joining Malaspina, Ms. Moriarty worked for 11 years in the audit practice of an international accounting firm, the last seven years of which as a manager. During this time, she worked exclusively on clients in the resource sector. Ms. Moriarty is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Brea Resources Corp., a client of Malaspina.

Central Iron Ore Limited (TSX-V: CIO) announced that Graham Hurwitz has been appointed Chief Financial Officer. Peter Treston has resigned as Chief Financial Officer but will continue to consult to the Company. Mr. Hurwitz was a director of a Chartered Accountancy practice in Australia for 22 years. Subsequently, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Allegiance Mining Limited (listed on the Australian Stock Exchange until acquired in 2008). He is currently a director of Hurwitz Geller Pty Limited, a Chartered Accountancy practice. He also acts as Chief Financial Officer of Gullewa Limited (listed on the Australian Stock Exchange). He is also a director of The Australian Institute of Music Limited.

Sonde Resources Corp. (TSX: SOQ, NYSE Amex: SOQ) announced the appointment of Kurt Nelson as CFO. From June 2008 to present, Mr. Nelson worked in a private upstream petroleum finance practice. Prior thereto, from November 2001 to May 2008, he was Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer for Harvest Natural Resources, Inc., (“Harvest”) a public oil and gas company and from November 2001, he served as Vice President and Controller. From September 2000 until November 2001, Mr. Nelson was Manager, Operations Analysis for Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. Prior to his time with Anadarko, Mr. Nelson spent 19 years with The Louisiana Land and Exploration Company and its successor Burlington Resources, Inc., holding various positions, including Manager, Business Development.

PanTerra Resource Corp. (TSX-V: PRC) announced that Oxana Cusnir has been appointed CFO. Ms. Cusnir brings over 15 years of oil & gas and other accounting experience to the Company. At his request, Ron Sparrow has assumed the role of Controller, allowing him more time in his semi-retirement.

Big Eagle Services, a leading provider of oilfield services in Western Canada, today announced that Morley Myden will succeed Texas Howard as Chief Financial Officer of Big Eagle. Mr. Myden joins Big Eagle from High Arctic, where he has worked as Chief Financial Officer since 2007. Prior to High Arctic, Mr. Myden spent over 20 years at Halliburton in a number of senior finance, accounting and operational roles both in Canada and abroad. In various capacities, Mr. Howard will remain with the Company as an Executive Vice President and a member of the senior management team. Since assuming the CFO role in June 2010, Mr. Howard led the accounting department and successfully completed various projects including the transition and re-staffing of the corporate accounting functions into Calgary.

Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: CAR.UN) announced that Scott Cryer has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the REIT. Mr. Cryer has been with CAPREIT since September 2009 and, prior to his appointment as CFO, held the position of Vice President, Financial Reporting. Prior to joining CAPREIT, Mr. Cryer had an eleven year career of increasing responsibility in the Real Estate Assurance and Advisory practice of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Mr. Cryer is replacing Richard Smith, who is leaving CAPREIT effective June 24, 2011 to pursue a new opportunity following the fulfillment of his mandate to reorganize and strengthen CAPREIT's accounting department and systems.

Northern Lion Gold Corp. (TSX-V: NL, FRANKFURT: N3E) announced that Tammy Gillis has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Gillis was formerly the Company's Financial Controller.

If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.

CFO Career Track: Can a CFO change industries?

CFOs, like many senior executives, get ‘pigeon-holed’ as they get more senior. In CFO Search, we continually hear these kinds of comments in our needs assessment process at the beginning of a Search:

• “We want our new CFO to come from a competitor”
• “The new CFO will need ___________ (fill in the blank) industry experience”
• “She should have only worked for entrepreneurial companies”
• “He must have IPO experience”

The challenge for any company as they begin their CFO Search process is to properly define what they really need. We still see too many companies treat this part of the search process as a waste of time. Usually, these are the same companies that hire wrong.

I came across this story in the CFO Journal (a new daily Wall Street Journal online publication) “Time Warner Looks Far Afield for CFO Pick”. The article talks about how Time Warner’s new CFO is not from their industry, but from financial services. It is difficult to be privy to the back room conversations that happened for this CFO Search, but I would like to believe that it was done well – not by looking just at the experience of the candidates based on what they have done before, but doing a proper assessment of what the company really needed, and matching the best possible candidates for the role.

My guess is that Time Warner and their Search Firm did their job.

For CFOs planning your career track, be aware that change is possible. You may not be stuck in that ‘pigeon-hole’. One of the challenges you face in career change is to truly understand what the company really needs from their next CFO. Do you own needs assessment. If you understand what the company needs, you will be able to sell yourself appropriately and increase your chances of getting that great new CFO role in a company and an industry that you may not have been considered for otherwise.

Canadian CFOs on the Move - week ending May 20, 2011

Companies with CFOs on the Move this week include: Redline Communications Group Inc., Mongolia Growth Group Ltd., Silvermex Resources Inc., Continental Gold Limited, Continental Nickel, Petro-Reef Resources Ltd., QHR Technologies Inc., Sherbrook SBK Sport Corp., High Arctic Energy Services Inc.


Redline Communications Group Inc. (TSX: RDL) announced that George Kypreos will join the Company as its new Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"). He served most recently as Chief Financial Officer with TSX-listed Xenos Group Inc. Prior to this, he was Chief financial Officer of SAMSys Technologies Inc, a Canadian public technology company offering Radio Frequency Identification hardware solutions. Kypreos replaces former CFO Bruce MacInnis.

Mongolia Growth Group Ltd. (CSNX: YAK) announced the hiring of Matthew Aiken as MGG's new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Aiken is replacing Jordan Calonego, the Company's COO, who served as interim CFO while MGG conducted a search for a permanent CFO. He was most recently employed as a Manager with BDO Canada in its Auditing department in the Mississauga, Ontario office.

Silvermex Resources Inc. (TSX: SLX) announced the appointment of Lisa Dea as its Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Dea was the Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Polaris Minerals Corporation (“Polaris”), a TSX listed Company, from 2006. Before joining Polaris, Ms. Dea spent eleven years at Deloitte &Touche LLP, achieving the position of Senior Manager. Hallein Darby has stepped down as CFO to pursue other ventures. Ms. Darby joined the Company in November 2008, as Senior VP Finance and was appointed CFO in March 2010.

Continental Gold Limited (TSX: CNL) announced the appointment of Paul Begin as the Company's new Chief Financial Officer ("CFO”). Mr. Begin joins Continental from Hanfeng Evergreen, Inc., where he served as CFO and Corporate Secretary. Prior to Hanfeng Evergreen Inc., Mr. Begin served as the former CFO and Vice President of Trilliant Incorporated and OZZ Corporation. Mr. Begin succeeds Keith McKay, who is also CFO of Dalradian Resources Inc. Mr. McKay will remain with the Company through a transition period.

Continental Nickel (TSX-V: CNI) announced the appointment of David Massola as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective June 27, 2011. For the past 4 years, Mr. Massola served as Senior Vice President and CFO of GlobeStar Mining Corporation. Prior to GlobeStar Mr. Massola spent 5 years as the Chief Financial Officer for De Beers Canada Inc. and 20 years with BHP-Billiton in a broad range of increasingly responsible roles.

Petro-Reef Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: PER) announced that Hugh M. Thomson has been appointed Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Thomson has been a Senior Officer and Director of several public companies on the TSX-V for the past 18 years. He was previously VP Finance & CFO, Director and Co-Founder of Relentless Resources Ltd., a publically traded (TSX-V) oil and gas company based in Calgary Alberta. Mr. Thomson replaces Alisdair Leeson as VP Finance and CFO.

QHR Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: QHR) named John K. Gillberry as the Company's Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President. Mr. Gillberry is currently a member of the board of directors of WiLAN Inc. (TSX: WIN) as well as being active with a number of not for profit organizations. Mr. Gillberry is replacing Charles LaFleche who provided interim CFO assistance to the Company since May 2010.

Sherbrook SBK Sport Corp. (TSX-V: SBK) announced the appointment of Marc-André Watson as Vice President of Finance as well as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Watson has, since 2007, been Head of Finance of Gurit (Canada) Inc. He was previously Director of Finance and Administration and Controller with Drolet Group (Sherwood-Drolet, Inglasco). Mr. Watson replaces Paul St-Louis who resigned from all office previously held in SBK Sports Corp.

High Arctic Energy Services Inc. (TSX: HWO) announced the resignation of Morley Myden as Chief Financial Officer with effect on June 17, 2011. Mr. Myden has been the Chief Financial Officer since March 2008.

If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.

Canadian CFOs on the Move - week ending May 13, 2011

Companies with CFOs on the Move this week include: Prize Mining Corporation, TSO3 Inc., CSM Systems Corp., Innoventé Inc., Primary Petroleum Corporation, Dundee Precious Metals Inc., InNexus Biotechnology Inc., Concert Properties, Xebec Adsorption Inc., Noveko International Inc., Ranaz Corporation, Greenfield Financial Group Inc.


Prize Mining Corporation (TSX-V: PRZ) reported that Nigel Kirkwood has joined Prize as its new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Kirkwood is the Chief Financial Officer of Philippine Metals Inc. and a director and Chief Financial Officer of Citation Resources Inc. Feisal Somji, formerly the Corporation's interim Chief Financial Officer, will continue in his role as a Director of Prize.

TSO3 Inc. (TSX: TOS) announced the appointment of Benoît Deschamps to the position of Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance, effective June 15, 2011. Mr. Deschamps most recently held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Mechtronix World Corporation. Prior to this, he held positions of Vice President and Treasurer at Videotron, and Vice President, Private Investments at the Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec where he was Vice-President in the Private Investment group. Mr. Deschamps was also an Associate Professor of Finance at both the HEC, in Montreal and Georgia State University, in Atlanta, where he taught in areas covering corporate finance at the bachelor, master and doctorate levels.

CSM Systems Corp. (TSX-V: CKX) announced the appointment of Randa Kachkar as the new Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Kachkar brings a wealth of financial and operations experience to the company, and the board of directors is pleased to have Randa assume this position. Susan Lett has resigned her position to focus on other opportunities.

Innoventé Inc. (TSX-V: IGE) announced the appointment of Martin Lemay as its Chief Financial Officer. He succeeds Pierre Massicotte in this position. Mr. Lemay previously worked with Atrium Innovations Inc. as Director of Finance for seven years until his promotion to VP of Finance in 2008.

Primary Petroleum Corporation (TSX-V: PIE; OTCQX: PETEF) announced the appointment of Brian J. Spilchen to the position of Chief Financial Officer, replacing Mr. Plater. Mr. Spilchen was previously VP Finance & CFO, Director and Co-Founder of Nexstar Energy Ltd., a publically traded (TSX-V) oil and gas company based in Calgary Alberta. Nexstar was sold in February 2010.

Dundee Precious Metals Inc. (TSX: DPM) announced the appointment of Hume Kyle as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Most recently, Mr. Kyle served as Vice President, Treasurer and Controller, of TransAlta Corporation. Prior to TransAlta, Mr. Kyle held senior financial roles at Fort Chicago Energy Partners L.P., Noranda Inc. and Deloitte & Touche.

InNexus Biotechnology Inc. (TSX-V: IXS) announced that it has appointed Christie Amato as its Chief Financial Officer. Mrs. Amato replaces David Petulla.

Concert Properties announced the appointment of John McLaughlin as Chief Financial Officer. For over a decade, John served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC). He played an integral role in making Vancouver’s 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games one of the most successful in Olympic history. Prior to his involvement with the Olympics John held senior finance positions within Norwesco Packaging, a not-for-profit organization and the event that put Vancouver on the map — Expo 86.

Xebec Adsorption Inc. (TSX: XBC) announced the appointment of Eric Favreau to the position of Chief Financial Officer effective June 13, 2011. Mr. Favreau brings with him more than 20 years of corporate finance, strategic planning, operational and legal experience. Most recently Mr. Favreau held the position of CFO at Noveko International Inc., a publicly traded company (TSX: EKO) based in Montreal. Lyne Routhier will cease to act as interim CFO.

Noveko International Inc. (TSX: EKO) has appointed Eric Phaneuf as SVP & CFO, replacing Eric Favreau who has left Noveko. Mr. Phaneuf was formerly CFO of AAER Inc. until the acquisition of AAER by Pioneer Power Solutions, Inc. (OTC BB: PPSI) in August 2010. Phaneuf has previously held a VP position with MEGA Brands.

Ranaz Corporation (TSX-V: RNZ) reported the departure of Paul Guay as interim Financial Chief Officer. Mr. Guay remains with the company as advisor to the President. Ranaz also announces the appointment of Alain Lévesque as Chief Financial Officer.

Greenfield Financial Group Inc. (TSX-V: GRF) announced that Gerald Greve has resigned as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Deborah McDonald has been appointed by the Company as interim CFO subject to TSX and regulatory approval. Deborah has acted as corporate controller for a number of companies within VRG Capital, the Toronto-based merchant banking division of the Vimy Ridge Group Ltd.

If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.

Canadian CFOs on the Move - week ending May 6, 2011

Great Panther Silver Limited (TSX: GPR, NYSE Amex: GPL) announced the appointment of Martin Carsky to the newly created position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective June 1, 2011, and is therefore stepping aside as an independent director. Mr. Carsky is currently the CEO of Con-Space Communications Ltd. a member of the Savox Group of Companies, a position he will be leaving to take on this new role. In the past, he has been the CEO or CFO of several Vancouver-based public and private businesses and was formerly a director and chairman of the audit committee for Spectrum Signal Processing, Pacific Safety Products and Con-Space Communications. He currently serves as audit committee chairman and independent director on the board of Cangold Limited. Mr. Carsky replaces Raakel Iskanius who is resigning as the Company's CFO for personal reasons. Ms. Iskanius will remain on as a consultant to the Company.

Royal Coal Corp. (TSX-V: RDA, FRANKFURT: RLC) announced the appointment of Jeff Lowe as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Lowe brings to Royal Coal a diverse financial acumen across multiple industry segments including coal production and significant expertise in public company treasury/corporate finance, sophisticated financial and commodity risk management, as well as corporate development.

Anterra Energy Inc. (TSX-V: AE.A) announced that Qiping Men has been appointed Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Anterra. Mr. Men previously held the position of Controller of Anterra. Mr. Men has nine years' experience as an engineering manager in a manufacturing company, and extensive accounting experience in public accounting firms. He has provided accounting services to private and public oil and gas companies in Calgary including a company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange.

RONA (TSX: RON) announced that Claude Guevin will leave his position as the Corporation's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on June 3, 2011. Marie-Claude Lalonde, Vice President and Corporate Controller, will assume the financial management of the Corporation on an interim basis. Marie-Claude has 25 years of experience at RONA.

IBI Group Inc. (TSX: IBG) announced the appointment and commencement of work of its new Chief Financial Officer, Anthony (Tony) Long.

Copper Fox Metals Inc. (TSX-V: CUU) announced that its Chief Financial Officer, Murray Hunter, has decided to resign in order to devote more time to his growing public practice. The Company would like to record its appreciation to Mr. Hunter for his contribution to Copper Fox since its inception some seven years ago, and to wish him continued success in his future endeavors. During the interim, Catherine Henderson, currently the Corporate Comptroller will assume the role of interim Chief Financial Officer.

Biomass Secure Power Inc. (Pink Sheets: BMSPF) announced that Murray Swales has been appointed CFO of the Company. Mr. Swales has been involved with public companies and their operating and financial reporting requirements for more than a quarter century, and has served as an officer and/or director of several reporting issuers since 1980.

Long Harbour Capital Corp. (TSX-V: LHC) announced the appointment of Charles Austin as Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"). Mr. Austin, a co-founder of the Company, has and brings extensive experience in business development, corporate governance and early-stage risk capital. He is an officer and director of Central Asia Mining Corp. and of Bamet Resources Corp., both of which are private companies active in exploration of precious and base metals in Southeast and Central Asia. As the President of Austin & Briggs Investments Inc., Mr. Austin is an active angel investor in sectors including real estate and alternative energy.

Hana Mining Ltd. (TSX-V: HMG, FRANKFURT: 4LH) announced the appointment of Paul Taggar as the new Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") of the Company. Matthew ("Matt") Kavanagh, the outgoing CFO, has resigned to pursue other opportunities. Mr. Taggar joins Hana from Fronteer Gold Inc. where he spent the last 5 years as Corporate Controller until the acquisition of Fronteer Gold by Newmont Mining Corp. (TSX: NMC, NYSE: NEM) for Cdn$2.3 billion in April 2011.

Prophecy Resource Corp. (TSX-V: PCY, OTCQX: PRPCF, FRANKFURT: 1P2) announced the appointment of David Jan as the Company's Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Jan joins Prophecy from Western Coal Corp., where he held the position of Head of Investor Relations prior to its merger with Walter Energy Inc. Over the past 20 years Mr. Jan has also held progressively senior financial positions in other natural resource companies.With Mr. Jan's appointment, Irina Plavutska, formerly the company's Interim Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed Corporate Controller of the company.

Foran Mining Corporation (TSX-V: FOM) announced the appointment of Tim Thiessen as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Thiessen has 13 years of international experience in both public accounting and the mining industry. Most recently he was CFO of Aurcana Corporation, a publicly listed silver and copper producerPreviously he held various positions with Endeavour Financial Ltd., Endeavour Mining Capital Corp. and with Deloitte LLP. Mr. Thiessen replaces Allyson Stephens who has been CFO for the past five years.

Imvescor Restaurant Group Inc. (TSX: IRG) announced the resignation of William Lane from the role of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Lane has agreed to stay on for a period of time as Executive Vice President Restructuring to assist the Company in completing the strategic exit of underperforming locations. The Company is pleased to announce today that Ming-Ming Wong has been named Interim Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Wong has been the Vice President of Finance with IRG and has worked closely with Mr. Lane over the past 7 years in the Company's finance group.

Ranaz Corporation (TSX-V: RNZ) has appointed Alain Lévesque as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), replacing Paul Guay who has resigned as interim CFO. Mr. Guay will continue as an advisor to Ranaz’s President. Mr. Lévesque, an independent consultant, has previously worked for Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton and Deloitte. Mr. Lévesque currently is also CFO of INTERIM Capital, a bridge loan financing company to small and medium sized enterprises.

Canfor Corporation (TSX: CFP) announced the appointment of Alan Nicholl as Senior VP, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Nicholl joined Canfor in 2008 and prior to his recent appointment served as Corporate Controller. Prior to his employment at Canfor, Alan spent 10 years in senior finance positions within the forest industry. Mr. Nicholl is replacing Tom Sitar.

If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.

6 Reasons why an Entrepreneur Needs a Strong CFO

Entrepreneurs who are fortunate to be facing growth pains know that growth hurts. Look closely at a successful entrepreneur facing serious business growth and you’ll notice they don’t sleep much.

 

There are many issues that face growing entrepreneurial businesses. Growth can kill a company if it is not managed properly.

 

What could go wrong when an Entrepreneurial Company is in Growth Mode? Plenty. Having a Strong CFO as part of your management team will minimize the possibility of failure and increase the probabilities for long-term, profitable success.

 

A Strong CFO can help a growing company in the following areas:

 

1) Cash Management. Growing companies have to properly manage their cash, or they will not be able to fund growth. Not managing cash and planning for cash needs can lead to failure.

 

2) Profitability Management. As Entrepreneur, do you really know… 

• your true costs?
• whether you are making a profit or a loss?
• which products should be pushed to maximize profit?

3) Budgeting & Forecasting. Without targets and goals, it is difficult to achieve them. Growth has to be planned.

 

4) Cost management. Every dollar spent should lead to more than a dollar in value. Is every dollar being spent being spent efficiently and effectively?

 

5) Controls. Money may be flying out the door and you wouldn’t even know it.

 

6) Decision making. Without timely and reliable information, you can’t make timely and good decisions.

 

Want to have the cash you need to grow, make money, and make better decisions? Hire a Strong CFO!

  

Canadian CFOs on the Move - week ending April 29, 2011

Companies with CFOs on the Move this week include: Biosign Technologies Inc., Kingsway Financial Services Inc. , Evolution Presentation Technologies Ltd., UEX Corporation, RX Exploration Inc., Aveos, RJK Explorations Ltd., Wireless Age Communications, Inc., TRIUMF, Cadman Resources Inc., Richmond Minerals Inc., Whiterock Real Estate Investment Trust

Biosign Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: BIO) announced the appointment of Colley Clarke as interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Clarke has served as CFO of Redknee Solutions Inc. (TSX: RKN), The Descartes Systems Group Inc. (Nasdaq, TSX: DSG), BCE Media, Canadian Satellite Communications Inc. and WPP Group Plc. Mr. Clarke currently serves as the Chairman of the Board and Chair of the Audit Committee for the Edleun Group, Inc. (TSX-V: EDU). Mr. Clarke succeeds Scott Worthington.

Kingsway Financial Services Inc. (TSX: KFS, NYSE: KFS) announced that William A. Hickey, Jr., currently the Company's Chief Operating Officer, will take on the additional responsibility of Chief Financial Officer. Hickey replaces Daniel Brazier, a contract employee who held the post while the Company transitioned its executive functions from Canada to the United States. Hickey has previously held the COO and/or CFO roles at Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company, Cochran Caronia Waller and Fox-Pitt Kelton.

Evolution Presentation Technologies Ltd. of Calgary, Alberta announced the appointment of Brad Celmainis as its Chief Financial Officer.

UEX Corporation announced the appointment of Ed Boney as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining UEX, Mr. Boney held the position of Corporate Controller at Century Mining Corporation ("Century"), a Canadian junior gold mining company with producing mines in Canada and Peru.

RX Exploration Inc. (TSX-V: RXE, OTCQX: RXEXF) appointed John Ryan as the Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") of the Company on an interim basis. The former CFO, Maxwell Polinsky, has been offered the role of Vice President of Business Development with the Company.

Aveos announced that Peter Timotheatos, VP Finance at Aveos, has been promoted to CFO. Peter Before joining Aveos in 2008, he was Chief Financial Officer at BCE Elix, and prior to that Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at BCE. Mr. Timotheaotos is replacing Robert Comeau.

RJK Explorations Ltd. (TSX-V: RJX.A) announced that Barry Milne has tendered his resignation from the Company and has appointed Amanda Kasner as a Director, CFO and member of the Audit Committee of the Company. Ms. Kasner has worked with Ernst & Young LLP, and most recently with Ross Pope & Company LLP, in Kirkland Lake.

Wireless Age Communications, Inc. (PINK SHEETS: WLSA) announced the appointment of Mark A. Donovan as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Donovan has had leadership positions in both Canada and the U.S. with Collective Brands, Blockbuster International, Blockbuster Canada, and Silcorp Ltd (Mac's Convenient Stores). He has served as a Member of the McKinney, Texas Chamber of Commerce, the De La Salle College "Oaklands" Founding Board of Trustees, the Motion Picture Foundation of Canada, the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation and The Retail Executive Group of Canada.

TRIUMF, Canada's National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics based in Vancouver, BC, has appointed Henry Chen as CFO, replacing outgoing Chief Financial Officer Shirley Reeve.

Cadman Resources Inc. (TSX-V: CUZ.H) announced the appointment of Alex Johnston as its interim Chief Financial Officer, replacing Dodge Li.

Richmond Minerals Inc. (TSX-V: RMD) announced that Andrew McGuire has been appointed Acting Chief Financial Officer to replace Ian A. Shaw who has resigned as Chief Financial Officer.

Whiterock Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: WRK.UN) announced appointment of Kursat Kacira as the new Chief Financial Officer for the REIT, on the retirement of Frank Bucys, effective June 6, 2011. Mr. Kacira is an accomplished professional and brings to Whiterock over 17 years of real estate, finance, capital markets, and accounting experience both in Canada and the United States. Most recently, Mr. Kacira was Vice President & Director in the Real Estate Group, Investment Banking at TD Securities Inc. in Toronto, where he worked for the last 9 years.

If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.