Linda Hasenfratz announced as 2014 IDEA recipient

Linda Hasenfratz

Linda Hasenfratz, chief executive officer of Linamar Corporation, has been named the recipient of the University of Manitoba’s 2014 International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award (IDEA) by the Associates, a group of more than 270 prominent business leaders who support the Asper School of Business.

The award will be presented to Ms. Hasenfratz at a gala dinner in Winnipeg at the RBC Convention Centre on Monday, May 26, 2014, where the inspiring entrepreneur will be presented with a custom-made pure gold medal produced by the Royal Canadian Mint specifically for the award.

“The University of Manitoba is delighted to honour Linda Hasenfratz, a CEO who exemplifies entrepreneurial vision and business acumen,” said University of Manitoba President and Vice-Chancellor David Barnard. “As a leading CEO and dedicated volunteer, she shines as an inspiration to all of us who seek to balance professional success with societal impact.”

Linda Hasenfratz was named Chief Executive Officer of Linamar Corporation on August 12, 2002. From April 1999 to August 2002 she was President of Linamar Corporation.  Since Ms. Hasenfratz assumed corporate level responsibilities, Linamar sales have grown from $800 million to more than $3.2 billion.

“In addition to achieving impressive revenue growth over a 15-year period under the leadership of Linda Hasenfratz, Linamar Corporation has undergone significant change in terms of formalization, development, communication and execution of a vision and strategy for future growth as well as development of communication, performance management and operating systems utilized throughout the company.” says Arni Thorsteinson, chair of the IDEA Committee for the Associates and president of Shelter Canadian Properties Limited. “The IDEA Committee agreed that an entrepreneur of this magnitude belongs among the distinguished individuals who have received this prestigious award in past.”

Ms. Hasenfratz joined Linamar Corporation in July 1990 and embarked on an extensive training program to gain familiarity with all aspects of the business.  Positions held in the Corporation range from Machine Operator all the way up to General Manager of the company’s Vehcom Manufacturing and Comtech Manufacturing Ltd. Divisions.

Dean Michael Benarroch of the I.H. Asper School of Business applauded the recipient choice.

“I am delighted that we will be recognizing such an accomplished woman.  Linda Hasenfratz is an exceptional role model for the students of the Asper School of Business, and I look forward to welcoming her to the School,” he said.

The Associates are committed to ensuring that the Asper School of Business remains one of the top business schools in Canada. The Associates support and promote interaction between the business community, faculty and students through programs and events including the IDEA presentation.

Ms. Hasenfratz has a history of giving back to her community; she she is currently Vice Chairman on the Board of Governors of the Royal Ontario Museum and also serves on the Canadian Council of Chief Executives and the Women on Boards Advisory Council.

“RBC is proud to continue our support of the annual IDEA Gala as part of our ongoing partnership with the Associates of the Asper School of Business,” said Rob Johnston, regional president for Manitoba, Saskatchewan and North Western Ontario. “As a passionate supporter of entrepreneurship and as a champion for women in business, we are extremely pleased to join in recognizing Ms. Hasenfratz and celebrating her many achievements and successes.”

“Linda Hasenfratz is an extremely worthy recipient of this year’s IDEA,” said Diane Gray, president and CEO of CentrePort Canada Inc. and Master of Ceremonies of the 2014 IDEA Dinner. “Linda’s vision and leadership over the past 15 years have allowed Linamar Corporation to grow and prosper in the highly competitive world of global manufacturing.”

Ms. Hasenfratz joins past IDEA recipients including, Albert D. Cohen, O.C., Isreal H. Asper, O.C., Q.C., Richard Branson, Paul Desmarais, Akio Morita, Ross Perot, Heather Reisman, Dame Anita Roddick, Gerald Schwartz, Peter Munk, Jim Sinegal, Stu Clark, and last year’s recipient, Chip Wilson.

To arrange an interview with Arni Thorsteinson, chair of the IDEA Award Committee for the Associates and president of Shelter Canadian Properties Limited, please call: 204-475-9090, ext. 202

For more information, please contact Taralee Turner, executive director, Associates of the Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba, at: 204-474-6201

For IDEA Dinner tickets or event information please call: 204-474-6201