Edward Kennedy President & CEO The North West Company

United Way's Major Donor Cabinet
The Major Donor Cabinet includes individuals who personally invite peers to join them in contributing at the Major Donor Level ($5,000+). In 2008, the Major Donor campaign raised $3,819,689.

Edward Kennedy joined The North West Company in 1989 and has served as President and CEO since 1997. He is also Chairman and CEO for two North West subsidiaries: the Alaska Commercial Company and Cost-U-Less Inc.

Born and raised in The Pas, Manitoba, Edward holds an honours degree in business from the University of Western Ontario and a bachelor of laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School.

Edward serves on the boards of The North West Company, Transport Nanuk Inc., Destination Winnipeg, Red River College, St. John’s-Ravenscourt, and the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council. As well, he serves on the advisory boards of the Richard Ivey School of Business and the University of Alberta’s School of Retailing. Edward is also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization, the Associates of the Asper School of Business, and the Business Council of Manitoba. In the past, he has served as Director for the Conference Board of Canada, Balmoral Hall, Buhler Industries and the Alaska Growth Fund.

Edward has been named one of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 and Canadian Retailer of the Year. He has received an honorary designation from CMA Canada and the Henry Singer Award for exceptional leadership in the retail sector. As well, Edward was a finalist for the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Citizenship Award in 2003.

Edward and his wife Stella make their home in Winnipeg with their four children: Grace, 19; Teresa, 18; Simone, 15; and Daniel, 12.