TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#CIRI19–The Canadian Investor Relations Institute (CIRI), Canada’s national
association representing investor relations professionals, is pleased to
announce that Meghan Brown has been chosen as the 31st recipient
of the Award for Excellence in Investor Relations and Laurie Gaborit has
been chosen as the 10th recipient of the Belle Mulligan Award
for Leadership in Investor Relations. These individuals were honoured at
CIRI’s 32nd Annual Investor Relations Conference in Halifax,
Nova Scotia.
Award for Excellence in Investor Relations
The Award for Excellence in Investor Relations is given by CIRI to
honour individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the
investor relations profession and to the Institute.
Meghan Brown is highly regarded in the investor relations profession and
has been a significant contributor to CIRI and the issuer community as
Past Chair of the CIRI Board and the CIRI BC Chapter Executive. She has
been instrumental in the creation of the CIRI Fellowship Program,
chairing the Selection Committee since its formation; and the
introduction of the retiree membership. Ms. Brown co-chaired the 2017
Annual Conference and openly shares her knowledge and expertise by
speaking at numerous conferences and events.
“Meghan is a valued and well-respected member of the IR community in
Canada. She is passionate about the profession and committed to its
success,” said Pat Marshall, retired Vice President, Communications &
Investor Relations for Cineplex Inc. and recipient of the 2018 Award of
Excellence. “Her support of CIRI and mentorship to others in the
industry has made a tremendous impact.”
Ms. Brown is the Vice President of Investor Relations for Leagold Mining
Corporation. She has 25 years of experience in communications and
investor relations in the resource sector. Ms. Brown started her career
with Suncor Energy and has worked for a number of resource and mining
companies including TransCanada, Placer Dome, and Endeavour Silver. She
holds a BA from UBC, an MBA from Queen’s University and is a graduate of
the Institute of Corporate Directors Not-for-Profit Directors Education
Program. Ms. Brown is Past Chair of the CIRI Board, Past Chair of the
CIRI BC Chapter Executive and Vice Chair of the Canadian Cancer Society
BC/Yukon division.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be recognized by my peers with this
award,” said Meghan Brown. “My sincere gratitude goes out to CIRI and
its membership for many years of support and encouragement. CIRI has
provided me with many mentors and numerous opportunities for both
personal and professional growth. I am humbled to be in the company of
the previous award winners.”
“Meg’s commitment to CIRI and the IR community is unfaltering. Over her
many years of involvement, she has selflessly given of her time and
expertise to advance the practice of investor relations both regionally
and nationally,” said Yvette Lokker, President and CEO, CIRI. “Her
passion for investor relations and demonstrated leadership have earned
her the respect and admiration of IROs across Canada.”
Belle Mulligan Award for Leadership in Investor Relations
The Belle Mulligan Award for Leadership in Investor Relations is given
by CIRI in honour of the late Belle Mulligan to recognize individuals
who have shown singular leadership in one or more aspects of the
practice of investor relations.
Belle Mulligan (1940-2009) will long be remembered as a leader and
standard setter in the IR profession and as a founder of CIRI. Her
passion for IR began through her association with NIRI in the early
1970s and in 1981, she joined a small cadre of IR leaders to help
develop NIRI Canada, now CIRI. She served on both the CIRI and NIRI
Boards and was cited by one analyst as “adding 10% to the valuation” of
the senior gold mining company she represented. Her professionalism won
her many admirers, and her engaging personality and generous heart won
her a wide circle of friends. She was a mentor to many IROs, urging them
to set their sights high within their organizations.
Laurie Gaborit faced a professional challenge starting in 2018, when
Detour Gold became the target of shareholder activism. Throughout the
very public proxy battle, Ms. Gaborit remained calm and professional.
She was incredibly articulate and composed, responding to sell- and
buy-side requests promptly. One analyst commented that “Laurie’s
demeanour and professionalism never changed during the proxy battle. She
gave full disclosure and access to management while being very efficient
and timely.”
Ms. Gaborit is the Vice President of Investor Relations for Detour Gold
Corporation. She has over 20 years of investor relations and corporate
communications experience in the mining industry. Ms. Gaborit joined
Detour Gold in 2006 as Director, Investor Relations. Prior to this role,
she provided strategic investor relations and corporate communications
services for a number of junior mining companies, holding roles such as
Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Secretary for High
River Gold Mines and Manager, Investor Relations for Rio Narcea Gold
Mines. Ms. Gaborit started her career in the mineral exploration
industry for Aur Resources Inc., Cambior Inc., and Romarco Minerals Inc.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in geology (Hons.) and is a member of
the CIRI Board.
“To receive the Belle Mulligan Award for Leadership is an honour and I
am grateful to the members of the selection committee for recognizing my
work during a very challenging and lengthy activist campaign,” said
Laurie Gaborit. “This was not about success, but about integrity and a
commitment to high standards in IR. The proxy contest is yet another
example where IR proves to be a strategic function that deserves a seat
at the executive table.”
“Shareholder activism is a reality for today’s issuers and IROs;
however, very few are as public as Detour Gold’s. I commend Laurie for
her steadiness throughout the entire process. She demonstrated
exceptional leadership and composure through her interactions with
management, the Board, analysts and shareholders,” said Yvette Lokker.
About CIRI
CIRI
is a professional, not-for-profit association of executives responsible
for communication between public corporations, investors and the
financial community. CIRI contributes to the transparency and integrity
of the Canadian capital markets by advancing the practice of investor
relations, the professional competency of its members and the stature of
the profession. With close to 500 members and four Chapters across the
country, CIRI is the voice of IR in Canada. For further information,
please visit CIRI.org.
Contacts
Yvette Lokker
President & CEO
Canadian Investor Relations
Institute (CIRI)
(416) 629-3269
[email protected]
