Desautels alumna becomes President & CEO of Knight Therapeutics Inc.  

Congratulations to Samira Sakhia (BCom’90, DPA’94, MBA’01), who will take on a new challenge as President and Chief Executive Officer of Knight Therapeutics Inc., a Montreal-based company focused on acquiring or in-licensing and commercializing innovative pharmaceutical products for Canada and Latin America.

Global banking executive gives back to her alma mater

Alberta Cefis (BA’75, MBA’79) was one of only a dozen women in her MBA class at McGill, but she never felt discriminated against because of her gender. The male-dominated banking industry, on the other hand, was a different story. Fortunately, Cefis was able to land a managerial role at the Royal Bank of Canada through a recommendation from a professor.

Desautels alumni featured in McGill podcast

Four former Desautels students were recently featured in new episodes of Alma Matters, a podcast presented by McGill University Athletics and Recreation.

Mathieu Darche (BCom’00) won a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020, while Richard Pound (BCom’62) is a former Olympic swimmer who currently serves as an International Olympic Committee Member.

MBA alumnus becomes president-international of Delta Air Lines at historic time for aviation industry

Following a five-year term as Chief Executive Officer of Bombardier Inc., Alain Bellemare (MBA’93) was recently named the president-international of Delta Air Lines. With a successful track record of leadership in the aerospace industry, Bellemare will work to improve the global reputation and financial stability of Delta, the world’s top airline in revenue, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prof. Elliot Lifson appointed to Order of Canada

The Desautels Faculty of Management congratulates Elliot Lifson, C.M., Professor of Practice in the Strategy and Organization area, on his appointment to the prestigious Order of Canada for his extraordinary contributions to the Canadian apparel industry and service to the greater community. Prof. Lifson, who joined the Desautels Faculty in 2005, serves as the Vice-Chairman of Vêtements Peerless Clothing Inc.

$1-million gift accelerates student mental health effort at Desautels

A generous donation from Gisèle and Neil Murdoch (BCom’81) has accelerated student mental health efforts at Desautels, creating a new Local Wellness Advisor position in the Faculty.

Segal Centre names Professor Elliott Lifson as Board of Directors’ president

The Segal Centre for Performing Arts has welcomed Elliot Lifson, Desautels International Advisory Board member and Professor of Practice, as president of their Board of Directors. After serving 12 years as a board member, Professor Lifson looks forward to continuing to strengthen the centre’s standing as a leader in Canadian theatre.

Teaching excellence celebrated at Desautels convocation

Congratulations to Amanda Abrams, Faculty Lecturer, and Elliot Lifson, Professor of Practice and Desautels Faculty Advisory Board member, who were honored at McGill’s Management Convocation ceremony for their excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels respectively.

Announcing the 2019 Order of Manitoba recipients

Congratulations to preeminent philanthropist and member of our International Faculty Advisory Board Marcel Desautels (C.M., LLD’07) for being named to Order of Manitoba.

Shoe design courses are a first for Quebec

Beginning in August 2019, Lasalle College students will be able to learn about designing a shoe collection thanks to a new partnership with ALDO Group – an initiative that is close to the heart of the Bensadoun family.

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New board appointments for FinDev

Elliott Lifson, Desautels International Advisory Board member and professor of practice, is one among 11 appointments to the newly-formed FinDev Canada Board of Directors.

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Nine retail predictions that might surprise you

With 2019 on the horizon, Forbes has compiled a list of nine emerging retail trends to look out for; one of which will include the rise of the circular economy across operations, according to Aldo Bensadoun (BCom’64), Executive Chairman and Founder of The Aldo Group Inc.

Journeying through a global career and life

In conversation with Professor Karl Moore, Chairman of Global Investment Banking at Deutsche Bank and Desautels International Advisory Board member Mark Hantho (BCom'81) shares insights into the fast-paced evolutions of the finance industry, why a global mindset is essential and his views on China as an economic partner.

Terry Jackson recognized for exceptional volunteerism

Desautels alumnus and former International Faculty Advisory Board member Terry Jackson (BCom’69) received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers on September 24. Presented by the Governor General of Canada, the award honors the exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians in a wide range of fields.

“I’m just honoured and delighted to receive this. Being recognized for the work that you do is very nice,” said Jackson.

ALDO Group mixes shoes and social justice

With shoe stores in more than 100 countries, ALDO Group is the first fashion footwear company to offset all of its carbon emissions - and is proud of it.

CEO David Bensadoun traces the company’s strong social conscience back to his father, Aldo Bensadoun (BCom’64) who founded the company decades ago.