Paul Soubry joined NFI as President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2009, leading the company through a series of transformations and acquisitions that have led to NFI’s current leadership position across the majority of its bus and motor coach markets. Today, NFI has approximately 7,500 people across nine countries and is leading the evolution to global zero-emission mobility or what the company calls the ZEvolutionTM.
Paul has a sales, marketing, business development and operations background in businesses held by trade, private equity and public owners, with substantial experience in business transformations and LEAN operational practices. Prior to joining NFI, Paul worked for StandardAero (one of the world’s largest independent aerospace maintenance companies) for 24 years, where he held a variety of increasingly senior positions; he was named President in 2001, Chief Operating Officer in 2006, and Chief Executive Officer in 2007.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba and attended the Executive Development program at Harvard Business School. Paul is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) and a graduate of the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program (ICD.D). Paul currently sits on the Board of Directors of NFI Group, The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club/True North Sports and Entertainment and The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company. He was also the Chair of the University of Manitoba’s Front and Center capital campaign, which raised CDN $626 million.
Paul was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 in 2003, inducted into the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Hall of Fame in 2014, received the Chartered Professional in Human Resources Patron of the Year Award in 2016, recognized as Canada’s CEO of the Year by the Financial Post in 2016, awarded the University of Manitoba’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award, awarded the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education Distinguished Service Award in 2020, and awarded an Honourary Doctor of Laws from the from the University of Manitoba in 2022.
Brian Dewsnup was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NFI effective March 1, 2024. Brian joined NFI through its 2013 acquisition of North American Bus Industries (NABI). At that time, Brian served as NABI’s CFO and, after its acquisition, as Vice President and General Manager. Brian subsequently held several positions with NFI, including Executive Vice President of Business Development, and President of NFI Parts. As President of NFI Parts, Brian led aftermarket sales and support, including training, warranty, publications and customer supply chain management for NFI’s North American businesses. Brian played an instrumental role in consolidating numerous aftermarket businesses into one parts business, grew revenue, combined distribution facilities, improved margins and lowered overall costs. In 2022 until his appointment as CFO of NFI in 2024, Brian also took on executive leadership for ARBOC Specialty Vehicles (ARBOC), in addition to his NFI Parts responsibilities.
Brian previously served as Controller of Johns Manville’s Waterville operations (a Berkshire Hathaway Company), and held various finance capacities at Ford Motor Company and Visteon Corporation. Brian has an MBA in Finance, a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Janice Harper, Executive Vice President, People and Culture Janice has been with NFI Group for 25 years and is currently serving as Executive Vice President, People and Culture. She is responsible for leading the people services function at NFI Group in a multi-location and diverse multi-national manufacturing, parts distribution, and service environment. Janice has worked in progressive human resource and management roles in the public and private sector with a proven track record in employee/labour relations, workplace culture enhancement, employee and organizational development, and safety/environmental systems management. Janice holds a BA in Communication and Certificate in Human Resources Management from the University of Winnipeg and Diploma in Creative Communications from Red River College. She holds the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation, SHRM Senior Certified Professional certification (SHRM-SCP), Chartered MCIPD, and Human Resources Compensation Committee designation from the Director’s College at McMaster University (HRCCC). She previously served as Board Chair for the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Manitoba.
Colin Pewarchuk, EVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, joined NFI Group in 2006 and is responsible for assisting the NFI Group team in fulfilling legal and business requirements. Prior to NFI Group, Colin was a lawyer with Aikins, Macauley and Thorvaldson in Winnipeg, MB and a Banking Officer with Royal Bank of Canada.
Colin holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) in Finance and a Bachelor of Laws, both from the University of Manitoba.
David began his NFI Group career in 1998 as Corporate Controller, and in 2002 moved from Finance into the role of VP of Supply Management, where he led a multi-year transformation to a world-class, lean supply chain organization. Since 2016, David has been responsible for the leadership and coordination of the Supply Chain organizations across all NFI business units.
Prior to NFI, David worked for eight years with Deloitte as a Chartered Accountant. David holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Finance from the University of Manitoba, and obtained his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 1993.
Chris joined NFI Group Inc. (“NFI”) in 2007 and is responsible for driving growth and performance, operational excellence, and innovation of zero-emission mobility for the New Flyer transit bus and MCI motor coach business. As President, he oversees core functions of sales and marketing, supply management, materials, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customer care while maintaining focus on safety, working capital management, cost performance, and resource management. Prior to this role, Chris served as New Flyer’s Senior Vice President, Engineering and Customer Service, overseeing new product development, production engineering, sustainable transportation, and customer service.
Prior to New Flyer, Chris was Vice-President of Engineering at National Steel Car in the freight rail industry and spent nine years with General Motors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) specializing in Automotive Engineering Design from Kettering University, and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Chris is a board member for CALSTART, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth of clean transportation technologies, and is an accredited Professional Engineer.
John Proven joined NFI as President of NFI Parts and ARBOC Specialty Vehicles in June 2024. John brings over 20 years of experience to NFI in global markets and leadership of geographically diverse operations in manufacturing environments. In his role, John is responsible for leading the strategic vision for both business units while driving growth and performance. Prior to NFI, John served as President and Chief Executive Officer of CEL Group of Companies (CEL). CEL is based in Winnipeg. Its brands, Conviron and Argus Control Systems Ltd. are global leaders in the design and manufacture of plant growth chambers, rooms, and environmental control systems. John joined Conviron in 2010 as Chief Operating Officer and was instrumental in acquiring and integrating Argus Controls and establishing after-market offerings to drive recurring revenue.
John holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Finance and Marketing from the University of Manitoba and obtained his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 1994. John is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors and a graduate of the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program (ICD.D). John is active in the Winnipeg community as a Director of Cerebra Medical Inc. and Red River Mutual Insurance, a member of the United Way of Winnipeg Major Donor Cabinet, and he is a Past Chair of the Associates of the I.H. Asper School of Business.