Claudette McGowan

Claudette McGowan8304-Edit3

Independent director since May 2023 

Claudette McGowan is Chief Executive Officer for Protexxa Inc., a Canadian-based cybersecurity software and services company. Ms. McGowan is a global information technology leader who has worked in the technology industry for several organizations such as Deloitte, Metropolitan Police Services, North York General Hospital, Bank of Montreal (BMO) and The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD). At BMO, Ms. McGowan served as the Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Technology Employee Experience, and at TD, she was the Global Executive Officer for Protect Fusion & Cyber Experience. 

Ms. McGowan is the Chair of the Coalition of Innovation Leaders Advancing Respect (CILAR), a group of senior business leaders committed to creating platforms that break down systemic barriers within the innovation economy. She  co-led the launch of Phoenix Fire & The Firehood, a women-focused angel fund and network for women in technology. She serves on the board/council of the SickKids Hospital Foundation, CILAR, MaRS Discovery District, and the Toronto Region Board of Trade. 

Ms. McGowan completed her studies in Canada and graduated with bachelor of arts (Lakehead University) and master of business administration (Athabasca University) degrees. Ms. McGowan holds honorary doctorate degrees from many Canadian universities including Carleton University, University of Waterloo, McMaster University and Trent University in recognition of her distinguished career as a global information technology leader.

In 2025, Ms. McGowan was made a Member of the Order of Canada and, in 2026, was appointed to the Order of Ontario.