Speakers

Kevin Graff is the President of Graff Retail, based in Toronto, Ontario. Since 1988, Graff Retail has specialized in working with retailers around the globe to increase their revenue through improved staff performance. Kevin is widely respected as one of North America’s best retail speakers and trainers and was recently chosen as one of the Top 50 Retail Influencers. His principle belief is that retailers are losing too many sales each day in their stores that they should be capturing. Kevin’s approach to store operations and his intense focus on real, bottom-line issues continually produce outstanding results. Kevin is also the creator of Graff Retail TV, the retail community’s leading source of online sales and management training. Since being launched in 2008, Graff Retail TV has provided thousands of sales associates and store management teams with the skills they need to succeed.

Heidi Klotz is a Montreal-based Human Resources professional with over 15 years of experience in the retail, consumer goods and pharmaceutical sectors. As the Director of Total Rewards and Talent Management at Ardene, Heidi heads companywide initiatives in Compensation, Benefits, and HR Information Systems. Under her leadership, the Talent Management team executes on strategies for Talent Acquisition, Employer Branding, and Succession Planning. Heidi is a strong supporter of continuous learning and development, and has earned several professional designations in her field.

Frank Monteleone joined Rexall Pharmacy Group in 2008 and is the Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Relations at Rexall. As a member of the Executive Operating Committee, Frank oversees a diverse portfolio of strategic HR initiatives for Rexall, Claimsecure and Medicentres. He is responsible for all aspects of Employee & Labour Relations, Total Rewards (including Benefits), Talent Strategy and Acquisition, Organization Effectiveness, Learning and Development, and HR Shared Services for both the corporate office and over 400 retail locations. Frank also oversees the Communications and Corporate Relations functions for the organization. In his nearly 20 years of human resources experience, Frank has distinguished himself as a trusted advisor, a change champion, and a devoted employee advocate – leadership qualities that help to unlock the potential of Rexall employees and strengthen the brand. Prior to joining Rexall, Frank worked for Indigo Books and Music Inc. and RONA in a variety of progressive HR positions. Frank has been involved with supporting key priorities critical to the success of the business, such as employee engagement, cultural transformation, leadership talent planning, and strategic total rewards. Under Frank’s leadership, his team is currently stewarding diversity and inclusion efforts to advance diversity and women in business. Frank has completed his certified human resources executive designation (CHRE) from the Human Resources Professional Association, as well as being Prosci ADKAR certified in change management. He also has a Masters Certificate in Adult Training and Development from the Schulich Executive Education Centre. Frank holds a Bachelors of Arts, Mathematics for Commerce from York University in Toronto and also has a diploma in Human Resources Management from Humber College. Frank is proud to be the President & Chair of the Board for the Rexall Foundation. Since 2002, the Foundation has been helping build strong and vibrant communities by supporting numerous charitable organizations.

April currently holds the VP, Retail Sales & Operations leading the National Sales Director - U.S., Canadian Regional Managers, and Retail and Operations teams at DAVIDsTEA. Prior to joining DAVIDsTEA, April worked in various sales and operations leadership roles for brands such as Holt Renfrew, Laura Canada, Apple, Starbucks and Gap Inc. April has over 25 years of retail experience in three international markets, CA, US, and originally from the UK. April is also a Certified Leadership Coach and is part of an international coaching federation. April is also the founder of retailu.ca an online e-learning site that focuses on leadership development for retail managers.

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Paul Taylor is currently the Vice President of People & Culture at Purdys Chocolatier. His career span retail and other industries including manufacturing and has 10+ years of senior experience. Since joining Purdys, Taylor has continued to build and implement successful people and culture practices to continue the company’s reputation as an employer of choice. Taylor also serves as a member of RCC’s HR Advisory Council. He holds an M.B.A. from Arizona State University as well as CPHR and SHRM-SCP designations.