EllisDon names CFO, adds to board
By Adam Freill
Construction Leadership News Women in ConstructionKilburn promoted to replace retiring John Bernhardt, while Cody and Rafi join construction services company’s board.
EllisDon recently appointed a new chief financial officer and welcomed a pair of new directors to its board.
Brian Kilburn has been named chief financial officer (CFO), taking on the position from John Bernhardt, who is retiring after a 32-year tenure with the company, including 18 years as CFO.
“This is a big moment for EllisDon. We are saying farewell to a leader and CFO who saw EllisDon grow from a company in peril to Canada’s largest Construction Services company,” said Geoff Smith, president and CEO of EllisDon.
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Kilburn joined EllisDon in 2009 as a controller in its Capital, Services and International Divisions. In 2011 and 2012, he was actively involved in EllisDon’s acquisition of Looby and PME Inc., respectively. After two years as treasurer, in 2016 Kilburn was promoted to vice-president of finance.
“I am very honoured to take on the opportunity as CFO for a company where I have spent the better part of my career. I look forward to leading a group of intelligent, like-minded people who are committed to ensuring EllisDon continues to position itself as an elite global construction services company,” said Kilburn. “I want to sincerely thank John Bernhardt, with whom I have worked closely over the years, for his support, mentorship, and friendship. I wish him all the best in his retirement.”
The company also announced the appointment of two new directors to its board: Gina Parvaneh Cody, an accomplished and recognized professional engineer, corporate executive, and principal; and Saad Rafi, a seasoned infrastructure, transportation, energy, and public safety leader. Brendan Calder is retiring from the EllisDon Board.
Cody has over 30 years of professional practice in the private sector as a professional engineer and an executive of an engineering firm, and is the benefactor and namesake of the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science at Concordia University. She was also the first woman in Concordia University’s history to earn a Ph.D. in Building Engineering.
Rafi has worked extensively in the public and private sectors, including several deputy minister roles in the Ontario government, and was the CEO of the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games in Toronto in 2015.
