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Contact James

  • james.pettigrew@mackayceoforums.com
Forum Chair

James Pettigrew

Victoria, BC

About James

  • Financial Strategy
  • CFO Mentorship
  • Growth-Stage Software Industry
  • Board Governance

Bio

James is a seasoned financial professional with a passion for serving the complex needs of high-growth, innovative, entrepreneurial business. He is a strategic financial advisor to Boards and CEOs, CEO coach, CFO mentor, and board member, with a focus on growth-stage software companies. In 2012, James was leading a large regional professional services practice for Deloitte. It was then that he first became aware of MacKay CEO Forums and he joined a CEO Forum Group chaired by none other than Nancy MacKay! A client came knocking in 2015 and James left Deloitte to be CFO at a software company that ultimately became one of Canada’s “Unicorns”. In 2019, James moved to the west coast and began a consulting and board career, although he has retained strong business, community and family ties to Calgary.

James’s Group Overview

James is deeply passionate about helping people and organizations move forward. James chairs a Forum Group consisting of CEOs.

Meeting Locations

James’s Forum Group meets 7 times per year. Each member hosts the meeting at their preferred location, hosted within the Victoria Area.

Group Member Overview

James leads and mentors his Forum Group consisting of CEOs to help them resolve their biggest challenges.

  • Financial Services
  • Executive Search
  • Industrial Electrical
  • Services for the Homeless

Special Advisors

MacKay Chairs engage a committee of Special Advisors in their professional and group development, expanding the network and support available to our members and Chairs. These seasoned experts bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, elevating the quality of our Forums. By collaborating closely with Forum Chairs, they enhance the peer support system, tapping into a deeper pool of connections and expertise to foster even greater leadership development and business success.

Benefits of Peer Learning

Leadership can be isolating. Peer learning creates rare space to be understood, challenged, and supported by others carrying similar responsibility.

What is Peer Learning?

A Trusted Space

A confidential, judgement-free environment where leaders can speak openly, think clearly, and be fully heard.

Shared Experience

Perspective from peers who understand the weight and consequences of leadership decisions.

Diverse Perspectives

Insight from non-competing peers across industries, backgrounds, and leadership styles.

Voices From Our Forums

Hear directly from our community how peer learning at MacKay CEO Forums delivers perspective, accountability, and practical insight, helping leaders think clearly, make better decisions, and move forward with confidence.

Assess Your Leadership Mastery

Designed for CEOs, Executives, and Business Owners, this assessment offers a structured reflection on how you lead, decide, and show up across all areas of life. Discover your leadership strengths, growth edges, and readiness for peer learning.

Take the Quiz

Who It’s For

MacKay forum groups are designed for CEOs, Executives, and Business Owners who value confidential dialogue, shared experience, and a high -accountability culture. Members are growth-oriented leaders navigating real complexity such as people, strategy, scale, and succession, and are committed to showing up prepared, engaged, and open to perspective.

Find the MacKay Membership That’s Right for You

Find the peer learning membership that fits your leadership role.

Large Enterprise Membership
CEO Peer Group Membership
Executive Peer Group Membership
Community Membership

Become a Forum Chair

Apply your facilitation skills, business acumen, and leadership experience to build high-trust, judgement-free peer learning forums for CEOs, executives, and business owners.

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