Our Executive Team

Meet the Canusa Wood leadership team.

Jeevan Manhas

CEO


Jeevan Manhas is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in marketing and sales, specializing in professional sales with a degree from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. He began his career in 2007 with Canusa in commodity lumber trading, where he climbed the ranks through dedication and hard work to become CEO.


As CEO of Canusa Wood, Jeevan spearheads the vetting and procurement of suppliers, meticulously ensuring adherence to exacting quality benchmarks and fostering enduring, successful partnerships. Jeevan believes that one's word is a testament to their integrity and lives by this principal everyday; something that influences his leadership style both inside and outside the office.


With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Jeevan continues to exemplify visionary leadership, helping to propel Canusa Wood to new heights of success year after year.


Ross McLaren

President


Ross McLaren brings a dynamic blend of leadership, strategic prowess, negotiation skills, and market acumen to his role as President of Canusa Wood. Ross has accumulated extensive experience in guiding and empowering teams towards collective goals, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence along the way.


Ross excels in crafting effective growth strategies and uses his deep understanding of market insights and industry expertise to drive growth. He does this by staying abreast of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities, which all provide invaluable insights that inform his strategic decision-making and helps to navigate challenges. Ross firmly believes in leveraging setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.


As President of Canusa Wood, Ross is dedicated to establishing and maintaining long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships while continuously expanding the company's product offerings and market share. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence position Canusa Wood for continued success in the competitive marketplace.


Dempsey Goedbloed

Vice President Sales & Marketing


Dempsey Goedbloed embarked on her journey with Canusa Wood in early 2023, assuming the mantle of Sales Team and Marketing Lead. In this capacity, she fervently drives the development and execution of pioneering growth strategies, aiming to bolster Canusa Wood's market presence. 


Prior to her tenure at Canusa Wood, Dempsey played a pivotal role within a prominent European MDF/Particleboard/TFL & HPL manufacturing entity, orchestrating the successful introduction of its products into North America.


Dempsey leverages her extensive industry experience, complemented by a Master of Science in International Business from the University of Brussels, to furnish Canusa Wood's sales and marketing team with guidance and inventive solutions.


Jim Bennett

Vice President Operations & Finance


Jim Bennett, VP of Finance & Operations at Canusa, boasts over 35 years of expertise spanning finance, operations, and technology. Armed with a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Guelph, an MBA in Finance from the University of Toronto, and a CFA designation, Jim's leadership is informed by both extensive academic and professional experience. 


Jim joined Canusa in 2015 after serving in various fractional CFO roles in real estate, travel, technology and consulting sectors, as well as in corporate banking at Royal Bank (RBC). Today, Jim oversees Canusa’s day-to-day financial and operational functions, as well as develops strategic financial plans, projections and benchmarks for the company. 


His vision is to elevate Canusa's standing as a leading global importer of panel products. Known for his approachable demeanour and commitment to accountability, Jim helps to foster a culture of collaboration and growth within the organization.


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