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TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 8, 2014) - Today, marking the fifth anniversary of the prestigious Catalyst Canada Honours, five outstanding Champions are recognized for their transformational leadership and commitment to advancing women in their organizations. All are exceptional role models for Canada's business community, and represent the gold standard for leadership in corporate Canada.

The 2014 Catalyst Canada Honours Champions will be celebrated at today's full-day conference and gala dinner at The Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, and include:

• Dean Johnson, Past President and CEO, Sodexo Canada Ltd. (Company/Firm Leader Champion)

• Ellen Moore, President and CEO, Chubb Insurance Company of Canada (Company/Firm Leader Champion)

• Sharon MacLeod, Vice President, Personal Care North America, Unilever (Business Leader Champion)

• Zabeen Hirji, Chief Human Resources Officer, RBC (Human Resources/Diversity Leader Champion)

• The Hon. Howard I. Wetston, Q.C., Chair and CEO, Ontario Securities Commission (Special Recognition - Board Diversity Champion)

"These outstanding individuals have had a powerful impact on the careers and opportunities of countless women across Canada," says Alex Johnston, Executive Director, Catalyst Canada. "As we celebrate five years of Catalyst Canada Honours, these extraordinary Champions join 16 others who are helping transform the workplace for women, and inspiring others to follow their lead. They are true leaders in Canadian business, sharing a conviction that inclusion is vital for business success and our economic future."

"Today we celebrate five remarkable individuals whose leadership has inspired their organizations not only to prioritize diversity and inclusion, but also to implement measures for furthering that goal," said Bill Downe, CEO, BMO Financial Group, and Catalyst Canada Honours Dinner Chair. "BMO joins the 2014 Canada Catalyst Honours Champions in inviting organizations across all industries to develop their own strategies and action plans for accelerating the advancement of women in leadership."

Catalyst research consistently shows that sponsoring women and advocating on their behalf is not only crucial to women's career advancement but benefits companies too, by creating a robust pipeline of talent. According to Catalyst research, companies with more women in leadership, on average, financially outperform those with fewer. Research also shows that gender-diverse teams often are more innovative and creative, bringing new perspectives to the table.

ABOUT CATALYST

Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit organization expanding opportunities for women and business. With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, India, Australia, and Japan, and more than 700 member organizations, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about women at work.

ABOUT THE CATALYST CANADA HONOURS

The Catalyst Canada Honours celebrates champions of women in Canadian business. Recognizing that what's good for women is good for business, these exceptional individuals are personally and visibly committed to the advancement of women and serve as powerful role models for Canadian corporate leaders.