Qtrade Financial Group adds Launi Skinner to Board of Directors
VANCOUVER, April 30, 2012 /CNW/ - The Qtrade Financial Group ("Qtrade") is pleased to announce the appointment of Launi Skinner, CEO of First West Credit Union, to the Qtrade board of directors.
First West Credit Union, B.C.'s third-largest credit union, formed in 2010 when Penticton-based Valley First joined with Langley-based Envision Financial. First West continues to operate with the two distinct Envision Financial and Valley First brands in their autonomous regions, providing economic advantages of collaboration, better diversification of risk and improved efficiency, while still being able to act local. Today, First West has $6.6 billion in assets under administration, approximately 169,000 members and 1,400 employees.
As CEO, Skinner is responsible for leading First West's strategic development and growth as it aims to reinvent the traditional credit union model in Canada. Under Skinner's leadership, First West has achieved impressive financial results and growth with 2010's performance far exceeding the organization's initial business plan expectations, and 2011 demonstrating continued strong financial performance and the highest membership growth amongst all major B.C. credit unions on a percentage basis.
The calibre of Skinner's leadership has been recognized with several awards including being named: one of Fortune Magazine's "Four Women to Watch" in their annual 50 Most Powerful Women list, the Best Canadian Executive by the Stevie Awards for Women in Business in 2011, and one of Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100™ from the Women's Executive Network for the past two consecutive years.
Qtrade's Chairman John Sibley commented, "We are delighted to have Launi join our board. Her experience will be invaluable as we continue to expand our comprehensive brokerage and wealth management platforms and services across Canada. She is a talented executive with many years of experience leading high-growth companies and driving business results."
According to Skinner, "Qtrade is an industry leader that has earned considerable recognition including being rated Canada's #1 online broker for the sixth consecutive year by the Globe and Mail and winning Morningstar's Best Discount Broker award for the second straight year. Clearly, this is an organization focused on creating exceptional client experiences so I look forward to contributing to its strategic direction and growth as a board member."
Launi brings more than 20 years of business-building experience in both the U.S. and Canada as a result of her time at Starbucks U.S. and 1-800-GOT-JUNK? As president of Starbucks U.S., Launi oversaw 7,000 company owned stores and 3,400 licensed stores, and managed an extensive management team with operational responsibility for 130,000 employees. Educated in business administration, Launi has also completed the certified general accountant program. In addition, Skinner is an active member in her community, serving as the past-chair for the Vancouver YMCA Women of Distinction Awards in 2010 and 2011. She is also currently a community leader for the Minerva Foundation for BC Women and serves on the Board of Governors for Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
About Qtrade Financial Group
Qtrade Financial Group provides comprehensive brokerage and wealth management platforms, services and solutions to the retail public as well as the customers of hundreds of financial institutions across Canada. Since 1999, Qtrade has been dedicated to providing its financial institution partners with a single source for market-leading wealth management products and services including: online, full-service and institutional brokerage services, mutual fund dealer services, insurance dealer services, portfolio management and discretionary money management services and diversified managed portfolios. For more information, visit www.qtrade.ca.
Qtrade Financial Group
Pamela Patton
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Tel: 604.678.6962
E-mail: [email protected]
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