How to be a Disrupter
In this episode, we talk with Launi Skinner, CEO of First West Credit Union and MacKay CEO Forums member.
Launi is CEO of First West Credit Union, one of Canada’s leading credit unions with more than $10 billion in assets under administration, 240,000 members and 1,700 employees. Launi leads visioning and strategic direction for First West. She ensures its locally-led brand network, comprised of Envision Financial, Valley First, Enderby & District Financial and Island Savings, is able to make a real difference in the financial lives of its members. A leader known for inspiring change and achieving results, Launi is regarded as a champion for credit union renewal and innovation.
Raised in Summerland, B.C., Launi brings more than 20 years of business-building experience in both the U.S. and Canada as a result of her time at Starbucks U.S. As president of Starbucks, Launi oversaw 7,000 company owned stores and 3,400 licensed stores, and managed an extensive management team with operational responsibility for 130,000 employees.
Launi has been recognized for her leadership and business acumen including being named one of “Four Women to Watch” in Fortune Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Women feature. Awarded an honorary doctorate in 2014 by the British Columbia Institute of Technology, Launi has also been named as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women four times and was appointed to the Hall of Fame by the Woman’s Executive Network. Additionally, she received the 2011 Stevie Award for Best Canadian Executive and was named one of Business in Vancouver’s Most Influential Women in Business for 2012.
Launi is currently a board member for Qtrade Financial Group, Rocky Mountaineer and Science World.
In the community she serves as a community leader for the Minerva Foundation for BC Women as well as past event chair for the Vancouver YWCA Women of Distinction Awards.