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Minister Fast Announces Appointments to Export Development Canada

June 14, 2013 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced the appointment of Kevin Warn-Schindel as chair of the board of Export Development Canada (EDC), as well as the appointment of Pierre Gignac as acting president and CEO of EDC.

“EDC plays an essential role in helping our world-class Canadian companies access new markets and succeed in today’s competitive global economy,” said Minister Fast. “Creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians continues to be our top priority.”

Mr. Warn-Schindel’s appointment to the board is for four years and Mr. Gignac will lead the Crown corporation until new leadership is found.

“I am delighted to welcome Mr. Warn-Schindel as chair of the board and pleased that Mr. Gignac has agreed to lead the organization going forward,” said Minister Fast. “Their combined experience brings private-sector perspectives that will help ensure the continuity of EDC’s strong governance as it continues to serve the interests of the Canadian business community.”

EDC is Canada’s export credit agency, offering innovative commercial solutions to help Canadian exporters and investors expand their international business. EDC’s knowledge and partnerships are used by more than 7,400 Canadian companies and their global customers in up to 200 markets worldwide each year. EDC is financially self-sustaining and a recognized leader in financial reporting and economic analysis.

EDC reports to Parliament through the Minister of International Trade.

Biographical notes on the appointees follow.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332
rudy.husny@international.gc.ca

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade

Biographical Notes

Pierre Gignac, of Gatineau, Quebec, has held senior executive positions with EDC. He was appointed senior vice-president, enterprise risk management, in January 2012 after serving as senior vice-president, insurance, since January 2004. Mr. Gignac joined EDC in April 1999 as director, claims and insurance accounting, and later became vice-president, insurance and loans services, and then vice-president, short-term credit and risk assessment. Prior to joining EDC, Mr. Gignac was a senior executive with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

Kevin Warn-Schindel, of Toronto, Ontario, is the Group Head and Managing Director of OPTrust Private Markets Group. Prior to joining OPTrust in 2004, he held senior positions with Macquarie Bank Limited, an Australian investment bank, and RBC Capital Markets, the wholesale investment banking arm of the Royal Bank of Canada.