About us · Governance

Governance

Three women standing behind the chairs of a boardroom table, smiling at the camera

In 2024, our founder, Bill Pollock, stepped down as CEO and the Drake Board of Trustees was established to provide independent governance and stewardship of the business. Bill became Chairman Emeritus, remaining closely connected to the company he founded until his passing on July 7, 2026.

The Board’s responsibility is to help protect Drake’s long-term strength and viability, ensuring the business is governed responsibly and positioned to thrive for generations to come.

That responsibility carries an even greater purpose. Bill’s wish was that the value created by Drake would ultimately help create opportunity for others through a trust supporting work and scholarship opportunities for young people facing challenging economic circumstances.

The Board is entrusted with helping safeguard that legacy by providing oversight today so Drake can continue to create opportunity well into the future.

Board of Trustees

Glenn AgroChairA chartered accountant with over 35 years of experience at BDO Canada LLP, including as chairman, providing auditing, accounting and advisory services for privately held companies. Extensive expertise helping businesses expand to new markets. Strong entrepreneurial focus and long-standing commitment to charitable work, having served on the Board of Directors for Accessible Media Inc., Lynwood Hall Children’s Centre Foundation, and the Hamilton-Burlington-Brantford YMCA.

Andrea StairsTrusteeA resourceful and results-driven leader with deep expertise in technology, marketing, global operations and strategy. Currently Global COO at eBay, with a career spanning 18+ years at the company including VP International Markets & Regulatory (50+ countries) and Chief Marketing Officer for eBay North America. Also serves on governance boards including Export Development Canada, FinDev Canada, and as Chair of the National Ballet School of Canada.

Jeremy AugerChair, Governance and Talent CommitteeAn entrepreneur and technology executive with a background in the software industry. Co-founded D2L (TSX: DTOL), a Canada-based global software company with teams across Canada, the United States, Australia, Brazil, Europe, Mexico, and Singapore. Recently retired as Chief Strategy Officer after almost 25 years, with deep expertise in AI and the future of work and learning. Has served on TechNation, Future Skills Council, IMS Global Learning Consortium, and triOS College.

Michael FrenchChair, Finance, Audit, Investment and Risk CommitteeA senior finance executive currently Chief Financial Officer at the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), overseeing finance, IT, enterprise risk management, and serving as management liaison to the Audit, Finance and Risk Management Committee. Also serves on the Canadian Olympic Foundation, the 2010 Games Operating Trust, and the TO2015 Legacy Fund. Previously spent 13 years leading Finance in the media industry through significant M&A activity.

Karen MeredithTrustee and Global CEOGlobal CEO of Drake International and member of the Drake International Board of Trustees. A seasoned global business executive with 30+ years of experience across talent management, health care and education, including 20 years with Drake and its associated companies across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, UK, Monaco, US, and Canada. Recognized for driving measurable business impact and meaningful innovation, and passionate community builder having launched Circle 21 and Blueballoon Health Services (now part of TELUS Health).