Boost Retention and Minimize Your Turnover

Dr. Frances Gunn has been with the Ted Rogers School of Retail Management since 2008. She is the current TRSM Learning & Teaching Chair, founding President of the Canadian Retail Education Association, external link, opens in new window, and founding Director of the Retail Innovation & Technology Hub in Toronto Metropolitan Science Discovery Zone, opens in new window. In 2013, her contributions to Toronto Metropolitan University were recognized by the students living in residence who presented her with the award for “A Prof Who Made a Mark”.

Prior to becoming a full-time faculty member, Frances developed multiple programs for diverse groups of Toronto Metropolitan students and worked with the Learning and Teaching Office to develop programs for Toronto Metropolitan faculty. In addition, she provided education and training programs through her independent consulting firm for over twenty-five years. In particular, her involvement with public and private organizations provided a multi-faceted perspective of the development of experiential learning. Frances has also developed numerous programs utilizing hybrid forms of delivery and has represented the interests of Athabasca University, Canada’s distance education university, on a national basis.

Christopher Delledonne is an innovative and pragmatic human resources leader with extensive experience in large organizations across Canada in the retail, entertainment and telecommunications industries.  Leading large multifaceted teams over the course of his career, Chris has particular expertise in sourcing outstanding talent, developing programs aimed at building culture and encouraging internal growth for current team members.  He has a passion for mentoring and fosters relationships of trust with business leaders as a key stakeholder at their table.  Chris is an active member of the Executive Committee of MyStartr, an employer led coalition and he is an organizational lead supporting Kids Help Phone’s fundraising efforts.

John Benjamin is the Vice President of People for Walmart, leading the team that oversees the experience of more than 30,000 associates in 140 stores across Western Canada.

With 20 years of retail industry experience, John is a people-first leader who is a passionate champion of talent development, culture, and transformational change.

Prior to joining Walmart in 2016, John was the Director of Human Resources with The Hudson’s Bay Company, and Best Buy Canada, where he held progressive roles within Talent Acquisition and Human Resources Management.

John is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University (Formerly Ryerson) with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Human Resources Management.