Canada’s Retail Council Ends Search for New President, CEO

The Retail Council of Canada (RCC) has announced Kim Furlong will lead the organization into its next era.

Furlong will replace Diane Brisebois, as president and CEO. Brisebois announced her retirement in late January, after three decades with RCC.

“Kim brings a deep expertise in public policy, stakeholder engagement and crisis communications,” says Anne Martin-Vachon, chair of RCC’s board of directors. “Her leadership will drive impactful results and strengthen our mission in the years ahead.”

Furlong’s career spans more than two decades at the intersection of government, industry and advocacy, making her uniquely equipped to lead the organization into its next phase of growth, says RCC. Currently, she serves as CEO of the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, where she has established herself as a powerful advocate for Canada’s private capital sector, successfully influencing public policy and shaping the national investment landscape. Previously, she was director of federal government affairs for pharmaceutical company Amgen, a position she held for 10 years.

Furlong’s appointment marks a return to RCC, where she served as vice-president of federal government affairs from 2006-2008. During her tenure, she was instrumental in establishing the retail industry’s permanent presence in the nation’s capital, and quickly became a highly effective advocate for RCC.

Furlong will officially join RCC Sept. 2. Brisebois, who was recently inducted into the Canadian Retail Hall of Fame, will remain at the association’s helm until then.