Our BOD & Management

Dr. Francis Dube, O.D., B.Sc.

Chairman, CEO & Director

 

Dr. Francis Dubé, O. D., B. Sc. (Chief Executive Officer, Director): completed a Bachelor of Science at Waterloo, and then obtained an Optometry degree at the Université de Montréal in 1997.  Dr. Francis Dubé assembled the team and lead the successful proxy battle to remove the incumbent Board of Directors of ZEN.  He was named Co-CEO in August 2018 and full-time CEO in April 2019 due to his leadership and vision for the company.  Previously, as an entrepreneur, Dr. Dubé was a director and Co-founder of Cannacure Corp., a private cannabis company that he saw to a successful buyout of $40 million.  As a result of his role with Cannacure, Dr. Dubé has gained significant experience in strategic planning, fundraising, and capital markets.

 

 

Peter C. Wood, P.Eng., P.Geo.

President

 

Peter Wood, P. Eng, P. Geo. (President):  is a geological engineer with over 35 years’ exploration and project management experience in the mining industry. During this time, he has worked with several major mining companies including Newmont, Homestake, and HudBay and has also been actively involved in the exploration and development of gold, base metal, platinum-group element, and magmatic nickel-copper deposits with many junior exploration companies.  Peter graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours BASc in Geological Engineering in 1983 and an MSc in Geology in 1987.  He joined the ZEN team as Vice President, Exploration in January 2013 and has been responsible for the successful completion of the company’s NI 43-101 compliant initial resource estimate and subsequent PEA study and, more recently, with the company’s market development and R&D initiatives.  Peter was promoted to ZEN’s Vice President and subsequently President in 2018.

 

 

James Jordan, P.Eng.

Project Manager, COO

 

James Jordan, (Chief Operating Officer):  graduated from Queen’s University in 1983 with a degree in Mining Engineering (Mineral Processing) and has 35 years of experience that covers a full range of mineral extraction processes, including iron ore, industrial minerals, precious and base metals and electrolytic zinc refining.  Prior to joining Zen, he has held senior management roles with Polyus Gold and Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.  James’ experience includes senior management, strategic planning, and operations management.  Before moving into operations, James spent 20 years in consulting engineering in a variety of roles.  In 2006, Hatch Ltd. appointed him Director Mineral Processing to build the mineral processing group in Mississauga.  Previously, he was a project manager and metallurgical engineer for SNC Lavalin Inc.  His experience spans all stages of project development: feasibility studies, detailed engineering, construction, and commissioning.

 

 

Brian Bosse, CFA

CFO, Director

 

Brian Bosse, (Chief Financial Officer, Director):  Brian has been a respected professional investor for nearly 30 years with corporate capital allocation policy being his key business specialty. He forms and motivates great teams revolve around stakeholder return on investment using leadership styles that fuel employee intellectual curiosity. Formerly Brian served Dundee Corporation’s Goodman & Company Investment Counsel as portfolio manager of the Goodman Bluespring Fund. He earned an honors degree from the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics in Waterloo Ontario plus the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.  Brian joined ZEN Graphene Solutions in May 2018 as director and officer following a successful proxy battle.

 

 

Greg Fenton, CFA

Chief Strategy Officer & Director

 

Greg Fenton, (Chief Strategy Officer, Director):  is a Chartered Financial Analyst and seasoned investment professional, with a Bay Street career spanning nearly 30 years.  He has worked in various capacities with ever-increasing responsibility in both the Canadian banking and investment management sectors.  Greg has been a partner in three investment management firms, heading the Risk Solutions Group at Scotiabank and leading Liability Driven Investment Group at National Bank Financial.  Greg currently leads a company providing balance sheet optimization and investment services to Canadian and international corporations.  His experience spans many disciplines: capital markets, investment management, actuarial, pension, insurance, accounting, tax and risk management. He also acts as an advisory board member to numerous corporations.

 

 

Frank Klees

Director

 

Frank Klees (Independent Director):  is a highly respected professional who has held senior leadership positions in both the government and private sector.  Frank served five terms as a Progressive Conservative Member of the Government of Ontario from 1995 to 2014.  He held senior cabinet positions in the governments of Mike Harris and Ernie Eves including Ministers of Transportation and Tourism, Chief Government Whip and Deputy House Leader with additional responsibilities as a Member of the Management Board of Cabinet and the Board of Internal Economy.  During 19 years as an elected official, Frank established strong and trusted working relationships at all levels of government.  He has extensive business experience in the energy sector, financial services, and real estate development.  He was a co-founder and Executive VP of Municipal Gas Corporation, served as Director and Member of the Audit and Governance Committees of Universal Energy Ltd. and was a member of the Supervisory Board of Rockwool North America since 2003.  Frank is a Sr Advisor to several public and private enterprises.  He provides business development, government relations, and strategic advisory services.

 

 

Eric Wallman, CPA, CA

Director

 

Mr. Eric Wallman, CPA, CA (Independent Director):  is a graduate of the University of Manitoba in 1983 and obtained a full CA designation in 1986.  He has held senior accounting and finance positions in industry since 1991 and has been an active investor in the junior mining market since 1992.  Currently, Eric is the Senior Vice-President, Finance and Administration with Bothwell Cheese, the largest independently owned cheese manufacturer in Canada.  His role includes strategic planning for Bothwell Cheese and two related companies.  Mr. Wallman is also an active board member of the Western Dairy Council.

 

 

Sandra Lombardo

Executive Assistant to Board & Management

 

Sandra Lombardo (Executive Assistant to Board and Management): Sandra is a respected individual who has been in the mining industry for 20 years. She is a highly energetic person who motivates everyone around her and has great team skills. Formerly an Executive Assistant and Corporate Secretary, Sandra worked with several mining companies as an Assistant, in Research and in Investor Relations – MetalCORP & Abbastar Resources to name a few. Prior to the mining industry, Sandra attended Confederation College in Thunder Bay, ON for Administration of Business, worked in Real Estate and Banking.

 

 

Monique Manaigre

Senior Government Relations and Account Manager

 

Monique Manaigre, R.Ac. (Senior Government Relations and Account Manager):  has been a health care practitioner and entrepreneur for over 25 years, in the fields of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Massage Therapy.  Monique was a key member of the proxy team and an integral member of the team after the proxy win.  Since joining the ZEN team in May 2018, Monique has built an extensive network of high-level contacts in the public and private sectors in Ottawa and she now spends her time educating senior government and industry officials on the future of graphene in next-generation materials.

 

 

Dr. Colin Van der Kuur, B.Sc., D.Min

Head of Research

 

Dr. Colin van der Kuur, B. Sc., M. Div., D. Min. (Head of Research):  was the first graduate from the University of Guelph with a Specialized Honours in chemical physics in 1993.  He completed a doctorate in leadership in 2010.  He served as the Director of Church Planting for the Fellowship Pacific.  Part of his work was developing and training consultation teams for the non-profit industry.  He has many years of non- profit board leadership serving on regional boards and two seminary boards.  Colin brings experience in coaching professionals to reach performance goals.