Neil Lester, Chairperson and Director
Neil Lester is a well respected foodservice and franchise executive with a proven track record of strategic planning, P&L management, and franchise system development. He has led aggressive growth for a number of international companies and helped many clients create profitable growth strategies of their own. His background includes senior management roles with international brands such as Wendy’s Restaurant, Blockbuster Video retail stores and Burger King Restaurants.
George Michel, Director
George Michel is an expert in turnarounds, effective restaurant operations, franchising, and international development. He has led international growth for many food service companies and helped achieve significant growth in their brands. He has held senior management roles with national and international brands such as Friendly’s, Johnny Rockets, Boston Market, Timothy’s Coffee and Burger King.
Edward Nash, Director
Edward Nash is the founder and Managing Director of Nash & Company Capital Managers. Previously, he was Managing Director and Head of Corporate Development and Merchant Banking at CIBC. He holds an MBA from The Wharton School, an MA from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.Comm. from Queen’s University and is designated a CPA, CMA.
Michelle Savoy, Director
Michelle Savoy brings over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. She currently serves as a director for Laurentian Bank of Canada (LB-T), Ontario Pension Board and Nav Canada. She earned a BBA from University of Ottawa and is a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors education program.
Anne-Marie Thomas, Audit Committee Chair
Prior to retirement, Anne-Marie held senior positions in private and public sectors across the financial services industry and she brings expertise in strategy development, governance innovation, finance and audit, and enterprise risk management. Ms. Thomas earned a BBA from the University of Iowa, MBA from Western University, Chartered Financial Analyst designation, and certifications from the CCI Innovation Governance Program (iGP), the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D), and Directors College (C.Dir).
Non-Independent Board Members
These board members are currently employed by Pizza Pizza Limited and serve important executive roles.
Paul Goddard, Chief Executive Officer
Paul Goddard became Chief Executive Officer on March 31, 2010 upon the passing of Michael Overs, the founder of Pizza Pizza. Paul is a licensed professional engineer, and holds an honours engineering degree from Queen’s University and an MBA from London Business School, UK. Paul is also a member of the Board of Governors for Excellence Canada, a not-for-profit, organization committed to organizational excellence.
Christine D’Sylva, Chief Financial Officer
Christine D’Sylva joined Pizza Pizza in 2007, and has held progressively senior roles, including Vice President, Finance & Investor Relations from 2016. In January 2021, Christine was promoted to Chief Financial Officer. She is responsible for overseeing Pizza Pizza’s finance and accounting departments, and our corporate financial reporting. Prior to joining Pizza Pizza, Christine was an accomplished audit professional at KPMG LLP in Toronto from 2000-2007. Christine obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Accounting) and a Master of Accounting from the University of Waterloo, and holds the CPA and CA designations.
Philip Goudreau, Chief Operating Officer
Philip Goudreau joined PPL in 2011 as Vice President of Operations of Development for Pizza 73, and from that time took on more responsibility including the expansion of Pizza Pizza in British Columbia. He has been in his current role as Chief Operating Officer, PPL since 2020. Prior to joining PPL, he spent 22 years with Wendy’s Restaurants of Canada in several key roles across Canada. On top of Mr. Goudreau’s extensive business and QSR experience, he recently completed the COO Executive Program at Stanford University, Graduate School of Business.
