Bernard McDonell
Chairman
Mr. McDonell is currently the Lead Director for First Capital Realty Ltd., an owner, developer and manager of urban rental centered properties and is Chair of the compensation and corporate governance committee as well as a member of the executive committee for First Capital Realty Ltd. Mr. McDonell is also currently a Director of The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group, a position he has held since January 2014. He was President of Provigo Inc., a food retailer owned by Loblaw Companies Inc. from 1999 to 2006. Mr. McDonell has also served as a Director of Investus Real Estate Inc., and as Vice Chairman and CEO of Capital Wapiti Inc., an industrial real estate company.
Mr. McDonell received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Concordia University.
Harlan Kent
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Kent is an experienced CEO who has a strong track record of leading consumer-centric brands, growing profitability and creating shareholder value. As President and CEO of Yankee Candle, Inc., he led the organization through consistent growth in revenues, profits and shareholder value. During his tenure as President and CEO, Yankee Candle revenues more than doubled to $840 million and the company's market capitalization increased to $1.7 billion. During his tenure with Yankee Candle, Kent led the successful expansion of the company's go-to-market strategy including diversification of the product portfolio, emphasis on brand building and increase in channel distribution.
Kent's career has been marked with success in a range of evolving senior roles across category management, operations, business development and leadership in a number of global consumer companies including Alex and Ani, C. Wonder, Totes Isotoner Corporation, Olin Corporation, Campbell Soup Company and Dole Food Company. Kent began his career at Bain and Company as a consultant and holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Dartmouth College.
Karyn O. Barsa
Director
Karyn Barsa has been a member of the Company’s Board of Directors since May 2014. Ms. Barsa has led numerous global premium brands and has been a member of the Board of Directors of Deckers Outdoor Corporation since 2008. Ms. Barsa served as the CEO at Coyuchi, Inc. from 2009 to 2013 and has also served as the CEO of Investors’ Circle and Smith & Hawken, Ltd. In addition to her Chief Executive roles, Ms. Barsa served as Chief Operating Officer and CFO at Patagonia, Inc. and was the founder of HeadStart Custom Helmets. Ms. Barsa has also held financial positions with Kerr Glass Manufacturing Company, Wells Fargo Bank, Tacoma Boatbuilding Corporation and Midland Capital. Ms. Barsa has over 20 years of experience in leading businesses with an emphasis on finance and operations, in both retail and wholesale.
Ms. Barsa received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Connecticut College and an MBA from the University of Southern California.
Joan Dea
Director
Joan Dea is a Director of Cineplex Inc. and Charles Schwab Bank. She also served as a Director of Torstar Corporation from 2009 to 2015. Ms. Dea brings audit, compliance, compensation, nominating and governance committee experience and has more than 25 years of experience in the consumer retail and financial services sectors. She retired as Executive Vice President, Head of Strategic Management and Corporate Marketing from BMO Financial Group in 2008 where she was also a member of the Executive Committee. Prior to joining BMO, Ms. Dea held multiple positions with The Boston Consulting Group, where she advised Fortune 500 companies on issues of global competitiveness, leadership and performance in North America, Asia and Europe. She became a partner and Director at Boston Consulting Group in 1994, was a leader in the Consumer Goods and Retail Practice, and founded the firm’s Canadian Financial Services practice.
Ms. Dea received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University and a Master of Science (with Distinction) from the London School of Economics.
C. Michael Jacobi
Director
C. Michael Jacobi is the President of Stable House 1, LLC, a private company engaged in real estate development. He has extensive executive and director experience with major international companies, including previously serving as President and CEO of Timex Corporation, a leading worldwide manufacturer of watches. He also serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., a company engaged in the manufacture and distribution of firearms. Mr. Jacobi previously was President and CEO at Katy Industries, Inc. and also currently serves on the Board of Directors of Webster Financial Corporation, KCAP Financial, Inc., and Corrections Corporation of America.
Mr. Jacobi received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut. He is a Certified Public Accountant.
Matthew M. Mannelly
Director
From 2009 to 2015, Matthew Mannelly was the President and CEO of Prestige Brand Holdings, Inc. Mr. Mannelly has also served on the Board of Directors of Prestige Brands until his retirement on June 1, 2015. Mr. Mannelly has extensive experience in consumer products, packaged goods, sports and fitness and apparel. Prior to Prestige Brands, he was the CEO of Cannondale Bicycle Corporation. Mr. Mannelly has also held management positions in marketing and retail development for Nike, Gatorade, Quaker Oats and the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Mr. Mannelly received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Boston College and an MBA in Marketing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Bob Nicholson
Director
Bob Nicholson is CEO and Vice Chairman of the Oilers Entertainment Group, which is a sports and entertainment company that owns and operates a variety of sports and entertainment assets, including the Edmonton Oilers, three minor league hockey teams and Rogers Place, which will be the new home of the Edmonton Oilers. In Mr. Nicholson’s leadership role with the Oilers Entertainment Group, he will oversee the expansion of the group’s major sponsorships and operations at Rogers Place when it opens in September 2016. He also serves as an Alternate Governor for the Edmonton Oilers on the NHL Board of Governors and as Vice President of the International Ice Hockey Federation. Mr. Nicholson was previously President and CEO of Hockey Canada from 1998 until June 2014 and was a senior vice president of Hockey Canada from 1992 to 1998. As part of his responsibilities at Hockey Canada, Mr. Nicholson was involved in both the financial and operational side of the organization.
Mr. Nicholson attended Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island.