CBU Congratulates Chancellor Annette Verschuren on Her Induction Into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame

The Cape Breton University community would like to send a sincere congratulations to our beloved Chancellor, Annette Verschuren, for her induction into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.
The Canadian Business Hall of Fame honours the outstanding contributions made by Canada’s business leaders. On Wednesday, June 19, in Toronto, Annette officially became the first woman from Atlantic Canada to receive the elite honour.
Born and raised in Cape Breton, Annette has been no stranger to hard work from a young age. Growing up on a farm taught Annette the value of drive and perseverance, which she has continued to carry throughout her life.
Annette’s business career started directly after university, as she took on the role of development officer at Cape Breton Development Corp. in 1977. Since then, she has served as vice-president of Imasco Ltd. and Canada Development Investment Corp., President and co-owner of Michaels Canada and President of Home Depot Canada and Asia.
In 2004, Annette was installed as Chancellor of Cape Breton University and has supported and led capital campaigns, including the creation of her namesake building, the Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment. Annette is currently the Chair and CEO of NRStor inc. an industry leader in the field of energy storage technologies.
Annette is a board member of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group of Boston, Air Canada, Saputo and Canadian National Resources Limited, CAMH Foundation, the Rideau Hall Foundation and the MaRS Discovery District, in addition to sitting on the federal government’s Science Technology and Innovation Council. She currently co-chairs the Smart Prosperity Initiative, which is mapping out a course to a stronger, cleaner economy for Canada.
Though it’s hard to imagine Annette having any spare time left, she also released her bestselling book “Bet On Me” in 2016, sharing stories about leading and succeeding in business and life.
Annette is an incredible inspiration not only in the fields of business and environmentalism, but as a shining example of what strong, passionate leadership looks like.
Congratulations Annette!