Claudette McGowan
Independent director since May 2023
Claudette McGowan is Chief Executive Officer for Protexxa Inc., a Canadian-based cybersecurity software and services company. Ms. McGowan is a global information technology leader who has worked in the technology industry for several organizations such as Deloitte, Metropolitan Police Services, North York General Hospital, Bank of Montreal (BMO) and The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD). At BMO, Ms. McGowan served as the Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Technology Employee Experience, and at TD, she was the Global Executive Officer for Protect Fusion & Cyber Experience.
Ms. McGowan is the Chair of the Coalition of Innovation Leaders Against Racism (CILAR), a group of senior business leaders committed to creating platforms that break down systemic barriers within the innovation economy. She recently co-led the launch of Phoenix Fire & The Firehood, a women-focused angel fund and network for women in technology. She serves on the board/council of the SickKids Hospital Foundation, CILAR, Elevate Technology Festival, Women in the Economy Task Force, and the U.S. Consulate General of Toronto U.S. & Canada Innovation Council.
Ms. McGowan completed her studies in Canada and graduated with bachelor of arts (Lakehead University) and master of business administration (Athabasca University) degrees. In 2022, she was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from Carleton University in recognition of her distinguished 20-year career as a global information technology leader. In June 2024, she was awarded two honorary doctor of laws degrees, one from McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business in recognition of her leading and thinking across many disciplines for her tremendous accomplishments and contributions to communities and the other from The University of Waterloo, in recognition of her inspiring individuals who provide exceptional service or leadership and who have made outstanding contributions to their discipline.
