OMVIC Announces New CEO

On behalf of OMVIC’s Board of Directors, we are delighted to announce that Ms. Maureen Harquail our COO and Deputy Registrar will assume the role of CEO and Registrar effective August 15, 2022.

In this position, Maureen will work closely with the Board of Directors, OMVIC’s team and our key stakeholder groups to drive us forward as we enhance our efforts to protect consumers and increase industry professionalism.

OMVIC’s Board Selection Committee undertook a robust search process with the help of an executive recruitment firm, to find a replacement for Mr. John Carmichael who officially retired at the end of June. We were extremely impressed by several high caliber applicants and are confident that we have identified and recruited the best possible candidate for the role.

As you know, Maureen has held the position of COO and Deputy Registrar at OMVIC since 2018. Over the last 4 years she has acquired a vast knowledge of the automotive sector in Ontario and as OMVIC’s executive lead for the Auditor General’s value for money audit, helped the organization to successfully navigate the complex process. Prior to joining OMVIC, she was the Director, Anti-Money Laundering/Anti-Terrorist Financing Policy with CIBC. She spent 10 years as General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer with the Ontario Racing Commission and also served as a Federal Environmental and Regulatory Prosecutor with the Federal Department of Justice.

Maureen holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Toronto, and an Honours Bachelor of Laws from the University of Wales. A lawyer by profession, she has been practicing for over 20 years and more recently completed a Master’s in Public Administration from Queen’s University. Maureen also undertook military training at HMCS York, prior to serving a number of years in the Naval Reserve at HMCS York and HMCS Carleton.

As demonstrated, Maureen has extensive leadership and governance experience and currently serves on the board of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the University of Toronto Governing Council.

I hope you will join us in congratulating Maureen on her new role. Her broad governance, legal, leadership and regulatory experience will ensure we continue to deliver on our mandate and elevate the practices within the motor vehicle sales industry.

Sincerely,
Virginia West
President & Chair, OMVIC Board of Directors