Louis Roy of Optel Group named Canada's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2017 National award winner Français
Roy will compete for the world title in Monaco next June
TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2017 /CNW/ - Louis Roy, President and Founder of Optel Group – a leading multinational provider of traceability systems for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, hospitals and more – is named Canada's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2017 National award winner.
"Roy has shown extraordinary leadership in a continuously evolving industry, pushing Optel Group to break traditional boundaries and create innovative solutions to meet growing industry needs," says François Tellier, EY Partner and National Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Director. "What's most inspiring is Roy's vision to affect positive change, a commitment he has embedded into the company values."
The independent panel of judges were inspired by Roy's mission to build a viable world for the next generation by deploying technological solutions that solve collective problems. Optel Group is now ensuring the quality of consumer health products and helping to prevent the counterfeiting of pharmaceuticals and medical devices in Brazil, India and Ireland.
"We're honoured to award Roy the title of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 Canada," says Tellier. "And we're excited to have him represent Canada in Monaco next June, alongside impressive entrepreneurs from around the world."
Roy accepted the award at a black-tie ceremony in Toronto last night. The event marked the culmination of five regional galas that drew more than 5,000 attendees nationwide. Regional winners Roy went up against are:
Atlantic: Joseph Randell of Chorus Aviation Inc. (TSX:CHR)
Ontario: John Sicard of Kinaxis Inc. (TSX: KXS)
Pacific: Rob McCurdy of Pinnacle Renewable Energy Inc.
Prairies: Jeff Granberg of PD Group of Companies Inc.
Canada's entrepreneurs are the backbone of the economy. In this year's program, there were 162 finalists representing a variety of industries across Canada. Together, their businesses employ more than 33,350 people and generate over $8 billion in revenue annually.
Next up, Roy will compete with more than 50 other country winners for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on 16 June 2018.
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National Special Citations awarded
The national judges awarded ten entrepreneurs, who were regional category winners from across Canada, for the unique mark they've made on the entrepreneurial landscape and the diverse way they embrace the entrepreneurial spirit.
Atlantic
George Palikaras
Metamaterial Technologies Inc. | Special Citation for Early-stage Innovation
http://www.metamaterial.com/
Ontario
Debbi Conzelmann
King Cole Ducks | Special Citation for Family Business Transition
http://www.kingcoleducks.com/
Prairies
Eric Boisjoli, Yvan Boisjoli, Stefan Maynard, Jason Myers
Bold Commerce | Special Citation for Entrepreneurial Leadership
https://boldcommerce.com/
Quebec
Christiane Germain, Jean-Yves Germain
Groupe Germain Hôtels | Special Citation for Brand Excellence
https://www.groupegermain.com/
Sumitra Rajagopalan
Bioastra Technologies Inc. | Special Citation for Purpose-driven Innovation
http://bioastratech.com/
EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™
The gala also honoured Sarah Segal of SQUISH Candy who was recognized in EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ Class of 2017.
The program acts as an accelerator to help successful women entrepreneurs gain knowhow, mentorship and resources to grow their business, access capital, and develop the networks necessary to become a formidable force in their industries.
More information
Follow @EYCanada and #EOYCanada on Twitter for the latest event updates. Visit ey.com/ca/EOY for more program details and a complete list of finalists and winners.
The nominations for next year's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program are open now. To find out more, visit ey.com/ca/EOY
About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ is the world's most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries. ey.com/ca/EOY
The 2017 national independent judging panel consists of Murad Al-Katib, President and CEO, AGT Food and Ingredients; Kristi Cawthorn, CEO, Startec; Anne Darche, President, Pertinence Inc.; Michael Donovan, Executive Chairman, DHX Media; Robyn Eddy, President, Eddy Group Ltd.; Debi Hewson, President, Odlum Brown; Jeff Parr, Co-CEO & Managing Director, Clairvest; Geoff Smith, CEO, EllisDon Corporation; and Steve King, President and CEO, Alaris Royatly Corp.
This year's program national sponsors are TEC Canada, La Presse, RDI, The TMX Group, The Globe and Mail Inc., Merrill Corporation, Kira Talent, Air Canada, SheEO, The Printing House Limited, Hillberg & Berk and MediaOne Creative.
About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.
For more information, please visit ey.com/ca. Follow us on Twitter @EYCanada.
EY refers to the global organization and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.
SOURCE EY (Ernst & Young)
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Victoria McQueen, [email protected], 416 943 3141; Matt O'Connor, [email protected], 403 206 5675; Camille Lariviere, [email protected], 514 879 8021
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