Manage HR Magazine: Awards Ranking
Manage HR Magazine Canada proudly recognizes the Top 10 HR Leaders in Canada 2026 - trailblazing professionals who are transforming the future of human resources through innovation, strategic leadership, and a strong commitment to employee success. These influential leaders are driving impactful workforce initiatives by fostering inclusive workplace cultures, championing talent development, and implementing forward-looking HR strategies aligned with evolving business goals. Through their visionary approach and dedication to organizational excellence, they are shaping resilient, people-centric workplaces and setting new benchmarks for HR leadership across Canada.
Top 10 HR Leaders in Canada - 2026
Jillian Martin
Human Resources Director, Harrison Pensa
Jillian Martin leads human resources initiatives at Harrison Pensa, overseeing talent acquisition, performance management, compensation, employee relations, and organizational development. A Certified Human Resources Professional, she is a graduate of Fanshawe College's Honours Human Resources Management program and is actively involved with the Human Resources Professionals Association.
Filomena Armeni
Director of Human Resources, Victaulic
Filomena Armeni leads HR initiatives at Victaulic, a global manufacturing leader headquartered in Canada. With a career spanning retail operations and industrial manufacturing, she has shaped HR into a strategic function built around frontline leadership, workforce stability, and holistic employee well-being. Here is our conversation with her.
Michelle Dolan
Human Resources Director,MNP Community & Sport Centre
Michelle Dolan combines HR leadership with a strong background in learning, facilitation, and organizational development.
Sophie Boulet
Vice President Human Resources, Intact
Sophie Boulet is a bilingual HR leader with over 16 years of experience in talent management, organizational development, and people strategy. Known for fostering collaborative, high-performing cultures, she combines strategic leadership with a strong commitment to employee engagement, inclusion, and operational excellence across large-scale organizations.
Candace Newman
Vice President, Human Resources, Cenovus Energy
Candace Newman is a senior human resources executive with extensive experience in people strategy, organizational culture, and operational leadership within the energy sector. She is recognized for advancing inclusive, high-performance workplaces and driving transformational HR initiatives across major organizations, including leadership roles at Cenovus Energy, Shell, and LNG Canada.
Chad Ross
Chief Human Resources Officer & Corporate Secretary, Sherritt International Corporation
Chad Ross is a seasoned finance and human resources executive with more than two decades of leadership experience across corporate strategy, organizational transformation, and operational management. Currently associated with Sherritt International, he is known for combining financial expertise with people-focused leadership to drive business performance, governance, and long-term organizational growth. He is male.
Gerry Vreeswijk
Vice President, Human Resources, Vecima Networks
Guus Vreeswijk is a Netherlands-based professional known for his leadership in business development, networking, and strategic relationship management. Active on LinkedIn, he regularly engages in discussions around innovation, collaboration, and organizational growth. His profile reflects a strong focus on professional connectivity and industry engagement.
Laura Torres
Senior Vice President Human Resources, Loblaw Companies Limited
Laura Torres is a human resources and organizational leadership professional with extensive experience in employee engagement, talent strategy, and operational excellence at Loblaw Companies Limited. She is recognized for building people-focused workplace cultures, supporting large-scale workforce initiatives, and driving collaborative leadership across dynamic corporate environments.
Rosanna Sartori
Director of Human Resources, Linamar North America, Linamar Corporation
Rosanna Sartori is a senior global executive at Linamar Corporation with expertise spanning operations, communications, marketing, and organizational leadership. Recognized for her people-centric leadership style, she plays a key role in driving global business initiatives and fostering strong corporate culture across international teams.
Janet Bray
Vice President, Human Resources, Pier 4 Ltd
Janet Bray, Pier 4 Ltd.’s Vice President of Human Resources, is a true advocate for the success of Pier 4 and the team. She has a demonstrated ability to translate organizational needs into practical strategies, building capabilities, effectiveness, and employee engagement. Developing and implementing effective leadership, talent and people initiatives that align with the business goals and strategy, ultimately supporting our success. Everyday working to enhance our company culture to ensure our team and our business thrives.
