Linda Hasenfratz has made significant strides at Linamar Corporation both as CEO and now as Executive Chair. Under her leadership, Linamar has maintained its position as a global, diversified manufacturing powerhouse, focusing on the automotive, access equipment, and harvesting equipment markets. Her tenure has been marked by strategic initiatives aimed at growing the business globally, diversifying its markets and products, driving sustainability at every level and enhancing the company’s operational efficiency.
In addition to her responsibilities at Linamar, Hasenfratz has played a pivotal role in various influential organizations. Her leadership and contributions have been recognized through various accolades and appointments.
She has been a member of the Board of Advisors for Catalyst Canada since 2003 and currently serves as the Chair. Her commitment to advancing women in business has been a lifelong pursuit, from grass roots initiatives to attract more women into STEM and leadership roles to more formal roles such as acting as the Canadian Chair of the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders in 2017.
Hasenfratz’s influence extends beyond the corporate world into significant advisory roles. She currently sits on the Prime Minister of Canada’s Council on Canada-US Relations. She also was a member of Minister Freeland’s NAFTA Advisory Council during the NAFTA renegotiations in 2018 and served as Chair of the North American Competitiveness Council in 2008, showcasing her expertise in international trade and economic policy.
Hasenfratz served on the board of CIBC from 2004 to 2020, including four years as the Chair of their Management Resources Compensation Committee. Hasenfratz was the first female Director on the Forvia (formerly Faurecia) Board of Directors, where she served from 2011 to 2021, including four years as the Chair of the Compensation Committee. She joined the AEM board in 2018, served as Treasurer from 2021 to 2023, and currently holds the position of Chair.
Hasenfratz’s dedication to excellence and her impact on the business community have earned her numerous honors. She was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Canada in 2014, inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame in 2016, named Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year in 2018 and was inducted into the Order of Canada that same year. She has been similarly recognized in both France with the honour of Chevalier dans l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur, and in Hungary with the honour of the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit. Her term as the 23rd Chancellor of the University of Western Ontario concluded in June 2023, capping off a period of significant contributions to both the academic and business worlds.
