FCL appoints Heather Ryan as CEO
April 19, 2022
The Board of Directors of Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Ryan as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective May 9, 2022. The appointment of the new CEO follows the retirement announcement of Scott Banda, who held the position for 12 years.
“On behalf of the FCL Board, it is my privilege to announce the appointment of Heather Ryan as CEO. Heather will be the first woman to serve as CEO in company history,” said Sharon Alford, President/Chair of the FCL Board. "As a Board, we feel we have found the right person to lead FCL and steward our Co-operative Retailing System into the future. Heather is a proven leader with a wealth of experience and impeccable credentials, and we have total confidence in her leadership.”
Alford would also like to extend her appreciation to the FCL Board and Search Committee for their efforts.
“I thank my colleagues on the board and search committee for their input and support throughout this process. This is a significant time in FCL’s history, and I look forward to working closely with Heather as she provides leadership to FCL and our Co-operative Retailing System,” Alford said.
Heather joined FCL in 2013 and became a member of the FCL Senior Leadership Team in November of 2015 when she was appointed to the position of Vice-President, Human Resources. In August of 2021, Heather took on a new role as Vice-President, Supply Chain, and will now become CEO. Heather holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan and is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources. Heather and her husband Sean have two children, Jack and Rylee.
“It is a tremendous honour to be appointed CEO of FCL,” said Heather Ryan. “FCL has been doing business and supporting local Co-ops across Western Canada for more than 90 years. The opportunity to lead an iconic company that plays such a vital role in communities across Western Canada is truly humbling. Together, with my colleagues across the Co-op System, we will build on our historic legacy while actioning our vision for the future.”
As CEO, Heather will lead a team of approximately 3,200 FCL employees located throughout Western Canada. Heather will work closely with the 160 independent local co-operative associations that comprise the Co-operative Retailing System and who own FCL.