CME names new Chair of its national board of directors

The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) has appointed Patrick Oland, chief financial officer for Moosehead Breweries Limited, as the Chair of CME’s national board of directors.

Oland succeeds Elise Maheu, vice-president of government affairs, United States and Canada, 3M Canada Company, who has served as Chair since 2021.

“Patrick brings a wealth of experience and business acumen to this important position,” said Dennis Darby, president and CEO of CME. “We are thrilled that he will be at the helm during this critical time in Canada’s manufacturing history. I would also like to thank Elise, who has helped steer our national association with so much passion and expertise for nearly 10 years.”

Oland has been a member of CME’s board of directors since 2017, serving as a vice-chair. As CME’s Chair, he plans on focusing on “ensuring CME continues to work to enhance the country’s competitive position through effective policy advocacy with all levels of government and value-added training programs.”

“I am honoured to serve as Chair of CME. The organization plays a critical role in helping Canadian manufacturers succeed in today’s challenging global environment,” he said. “As a member of a sixth-generation family brewing business, I am a big believer in our ability as a country to compete against the best.”

Maheu will continue to serve on the board as Past-Chair.

“Serving as the Chair of one of Canada’s largest and most influential business associations has been an immense privilege,” she said. “I am deeply proud of the work and exemplary leadership demonstrated by CME over the past years, consistently reminding us, as manufacturers, of our pivotal role in the economy and the ongoing significance we hold as we transition towards the future.”

A senior executive, Oland has more than 30 years of manufacturing industry cross-functional experience, which includes financial reporting, budgeting, planning and analysis, internal control, audit/tax, treasury, pension/benefits, risk management, regulatory, technology and procurement, as well as extensive governance leadership experience across multiple organizations, including Moosehead Breweries Limited (director, corporate secretary, Pension Committee member); Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters – NB Advisory Board (Chair); Saint John Development Corporation (board member and treasurer); Saint John Regional Hospital Corporation (Board Chair), and Touchstone School (Board Chair). Prior to joining Moosehead Breweries, Oland was an audit associate at PwC in Toronto.