News Diversity & Inclusion Managing/Leadership
Women of Influence has new owner, CEO effective Dec. 1

Women of Influence has a new owner and chief executive officer.

WOI, which has been in operation for 28 years, has been acquired by Rumeet Billan, the founder of Jobs in Education. The change takes effect on Dec. 1, 2022.

“This is a pivotal and transformational time, and I am honoured to be taking the reins of this celebrated and respected brand at the end of this year,” said Billan, who sold Jobs in Education earlier this year. “As the incoming CEO, I am energized and excited to get going, and feel an immense amount of responsibility to do it right.”

Billan credited the existing team, including Alicia Skalin (co-CEO, head of events and programming); Stephania Varalli (co-CEO, head of media); and Jan Frolic (senior vice-president, global engagement) for growing the reach of WOI and the impact it has had in the business community.

“They have cultivated a community of members and partners across Canada, and beyond, centered around one important goal: driving equity and equality in the workplace,” she said.

“We will continue to boldly support the women who are redefining what influence and leadership mean in today’s business world by expanding on our content and services and introducing new initiatives that will help our members and partners thrive and make a meaningful impact and difference.”

WOI runs a number of events and awards programs, including the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards and the Top 25 Women of Influence. For more information, visit womenofinfluence.ca.