OTTAWA -October 11, 2005 - Rob Wright, President and CEO of Export Development Canada (EDC) has announced a number of executive appointments designed to better integrate EDC's core business lines and business development group to the benefit of customers.
"The needs of our customers continue to change as global market dynamics evolve, prompting EDC to review our business structure to best meet those needs, both today and tomorrow," said Mr. Wright. "The endorsement of our customers will be the prime measure of our success."
Eric D. Siegel is promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Siegel joined EDC in 1979 and served in increasingly senior roles focused on EDC's lending and contract insurance programs, most recently as Executive Vice-President, Medium-and-Long-term Financial Services. Between 1993 and 1995, Mr. Siegel led an extensive corporate restructuring that has been instrumental in EDC's success over the past decade. Reporting to Mr. Siegel will be Pierre Gignac, Senior Vice-President of Short-Term Financial Services and Benoit Daignault, Senior Vice-President of Business Development.
Peter Allen becomes Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Allen joined EDC as Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer in 1998 after an extensive and successful career as a finance executive in a number of private and public corporations in Canada. His distinguished accomplishments were recognized when he was conferred Fellowships by the both Royal Aeronautical Society of London in 2001 and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario in 2003. He will be responsible for advancing EDC's continued efforts to broaden its services including expanding risk capacity.
Stephen S. Poloz is appointed Senior Vice-President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Economist. Mr. Poloz, a noted economist, joined EDC in 1999 as Chief Economist after a distinguished career at BCA Research and the Bank of Canada. Mr. Poloz leads a diverse group of professionals responsible for assessing economic, environmental and technical performance risk, conducting EDC's international relations and managing EDC's information centre. His new duties include enhancing and leveraging EDC's strategic planning and communications programs. Export Development Canada (EDC) is Canada's export credit agency, offering innovative commercial solutions to help Canadian exporters and investors expand their international business. EDC's knowledge and partnerships are used by 7000 Canadian companies and their global customers in up to 200 markets worldwide each year. EDC is financially self-sustaining and is a recognized leader in financial reporting, economic analysis and human resource management.
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Media contact: Phil TaylorEDC Public Affairs(613) 598-2904 ptaylor@edc.ca
