Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Benoit to the position of Vice-President, Finance and Administration, at Saint Mary’s University effective July 1, 2020.
Michelle Benoit Bcomm’91, the new Vice-President, Finance and Administration.
“After a national search, I am pleased to announce Michelle Benoit as our new Vice-President, Finance & Administration,” says Robert Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University. “Saint Mary’s takes pride in the strength of its financial and administrative practices, particularly our strong focus on exceptional financial management. We are very pleased to have someone joining us who will continue that tradition and uphold our shared Santamarian values with pride.”
A senior finance leader, Benoit has a proven track record of developing and executing strategy, leading growth, and empowering cross-functional teams through collaboration to optimize business results. She has successfully led large interdisciplinary teams on international projects and directed organizations through strategic transformation and improved organizational structures. Benoit has experience developing strategy and implementing tactics for complex national and international organizations and has effectively led in both union and non-unionized environments. She has also served as a mentor for executives from post-secondary institutions.
“As a proud Saint Mary’s alumna, I look forward with anticipation to beginning my new role as the Vice-President of Finance and Administration,” says Benoit. “I am honoured to take on this important role, and I look forward to working alongside the tremendous team at Saint Mary’s.”
A finance leader in the retail and consumer goods industry for over 20 years, Benoit started with Loblaws in Atlantic Canada in 1998, followed by Nestle Canada, where she held progressive roles during her twelve years with the company. In 2013, she joined Sobeys as the Vice President, Finance (Sobeys Ontario). Upon leaving Sobeys, she joined Wal-Mart Canada as the Vice President, Commercial Finance in 2018 before leaving to return to Nova Scotia.
Benoit earned her Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University in 1991 and obtained her CPA, CMA professional accountancy designation in 1998. She was the proud recipient of the Canadian Grocers 2019 Executive Star Women’s Award, recognizing Benoit’s leadership and material contribution to the retail food industry.