Co-Presidency Announcement

GS1 Canada Announces François Bouchard and Adam Zanatta as Co-Presidents

Toronto, ON, Jan, 28, 2025 - GS1 Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of François Bouchard and Adam Zanatta as Co-Presidents, following confirmation by the organization's Board of Governors. The appointments come after the tragic passing of Eileen Mac Donald, GS1 Canada's esteemed President and CEO, in October 2024.

In their new roles, François and Adam will leverage their extensive industry expertise to drive GS1 Canada's strategic vision. As dynamic leaders, they will solidify GS1 Canada's position as a trusted strategic partner, leveraging their knowledge and expertise to develop industry-directed solutions to meet shared business challenges.

Focusing on key initiatives set by GS1 Canada's Board of Governors, François and Adam will lead the strategic direction, financial prudence and GS1 global standards adoption to continue delivering significant value to Canadian industry.

About François Bouchard

François served on GS1 Canada's Board of Governors from 2004 until 2018, before joining the organization as Senior Vice President, Subscriber Engagement. He has since held progressively senior leadership positions, most recently as Executive Vice-President overseeing Healthcare, Pharmacy, Public Affairs, Community Engagement and Cannabis. With extensive expertise across multiple sectors and comprehensive understanding of industry needs, Francois plays a pivotal role in driving GS1 Canada's strategic direction and supporting its continued growth and innovation.

Prior to joining GS1 Canada, François established himself as a successful grocery entrepreneur.

About Adam Zanatta

Since joining GS1 Canada as Senior Vice President, Industry Managed Solutions in 2019, Adam has assumed a range of leadership responsibilities within the organization, most recently as Executive Vice President, Industry Managed Solutions & Technology. His innovative approach and commitment to operational excellence have been central to GS1 Canada's ongoing success.

Prior to joining GS1 Canada, Adam held the position of Divisional Vice President of Digital Fulfilment at Hudson's Bay Company following roles in third-party logistics, private sector enterprises, consulting and start-ups. Adam's extensive logistics and supply chain industry experience will be critical in shaping GS1 Canada's future.

Comments from Co-Chairs of GS1 Canada's Board of Governors

"We are thrilled to announce François and Adam as GS1 Canada Co-Presidents. Their visionary leadership and dedication to excellence will be instrumental in navigating our organization through this pivotal phase. With their innovative strategies, they are ideally positioned to address the evolving demands across multiple industries in Canada," said Sam Wankowski, Co-Chair of GS1 Canada's Board of Governors and Chief Merchandising Officer, Walmart Canada

"François and Adam have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to GS1 Canada's mission since taking on the interim Co-President roles in May 2024," says Curtis Frank, Co-Chair of GS1 Canada's Board of Governors and President and Chief Executive Officer, Maple Leaf Foods Inc. "Their combined expertise and vision will ensure that we continue to deliver unparalleled value to our stakeholders."

About GS1 Canada

GS1 Canada is part of GS1, the global not-for-profit organization behind the first barcode and the world's most widely used supply chain standards. GS1 Canada supports business success through global barcodes and the development of industry-directed solutions that meet common business needs. Their collaborative approach, powered by GS1 standards, delivers measurable value to Canadian businesses of all sizes.

As a leader in product data quality, GS1 Canada ensures the seamless exchange of accurate, trusted data between trading partners, fostering operational excellence and consumer trust. By providing essential tools and insights, they empower industries to work smarter, reduce costs, and create a more sustainable future.

To learn more about GS1 Canada and our leadership team, visit our website: About GS1 Canada | Our Leadership Team