Neil Lester, Director
Neil Lester is a well respected foodservice and franchise executive with 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.
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.
Jay Swartz, Chairperson and Director
Mr. Swartz is a senior partner at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP. He has diverse practice with particular emphasis on banking, debt financing, and private equity funds. Mr. Swartz was called to the Ontario Bar in 1979, with a Bachelor of Law at Osgood Hall and his Bachelor of Art at York University.
Kathy Welsh, Audit Committee Chair
Prior to retirement, Kathy Welsh was an independent consultant and held a number of senior financial positions, including Chief Financial Officer for Radian Communication, The Second Cup, and Canada Bread. Ms. Welsh received her B.Comm from Queen’s University in 1980 and earned her CPA designation in 1982. In 2008 she became an Institute Certified Director.
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.
Curt Feltner, SVP Strategy
Curtis Feltner holds a B.Sc. degree from Indiana University. He became a certified public accountant in 1983, and worked in a financial capacity in the real estate industry for ten years prior to joining Pizza Pizza as Controller in 1993. He was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in 1999 and Vice President, Finance in 2005.
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.
