Compass Rose appoints CFO, expands leadership team as it enters 9th year

Platform focusing on the intersection of business, finance and government to be launched

Compass Rose, a leading national public affairs firm, today announced several appointments that expand the company's leadership team and recognize the dedication and passion of its public affairs counsellors to providing best-in-class service to clients.

Ross Lemieux, currently financial controller, becomes Chief Financial Officer. With proven financial leadership and a career spanning more than 25 years, Lemieux plays a key role in executing the strategic direction of the company.

In addition to Lemieux’s appointment, Kathleen Harris, Tajwar Mazhar, Graham Milner, Andrea Sarkic, Bea Vongdouangchanh and Kathleen Walsh have been elevated to Lead Public Affairs Counsellors. They will direct client files and manage the firm’s business streams, which includes public policy and government affairs, digital and tech, and content and communications. They will continue to expertly steer clients while promoting common good approaches to public policy.

“Compass Rose is entering its ninth year with a solid and deeply experienced team committed to finding the common good for Canadians, governments, businesses and civil society. We couldn’t have gotten this far without the dedication and smarts of our founder Jacquie’s vision and this team,” said managing director Theo Argitis.

“Our Lead Public Affairs Counsellors are deeply invested in the business and ensuring client success now and in the future. In a crowded public affairs landscape, they’re the team to watch. We’re excited to celebrate them and their contributions.”

Compass Rose Founder Jacquie LaRocque said she is proud of what the firm has accomplished as a small business. “Thanks to the clients who believed in us and chose to work with our experienced team, we have been able to support innovative, informed Canadian public policy development,” said LaRocque, who was named one of Canada's Top 100 most powerful women by the Women's Executive Network in 2022.

“These changes come at a critical time in the economic and geopolitical landscape,” LaRocque said. “As clients grapple with complex issues and as Canada continues to navigate how to implement important policies around global competitiveness, sustainable growth and the rising cost of living, Compass Rose is leading on helping to inform programs and policies that will improve the lives of all Canadians.”

Means & Ways platform to focus on intersections of business, finance and government

Heading into this anniversary, Compass Rose is also thrilled to announce that it will be launching Means & Ways, a platform focusing on the intersection of business, finance and government. Led by Argitis, a former bureau chief for Bloomberg News, Means & Ways offers fresh takes on policies that affect consumers, business and the national economy. It provides insight and analysis Canadians, governments and business leaders need to have informed conversations — and make the right decisions.

Compass Rose will make further announcements on corporate initiatives in the new year.

About Compass Rose

Compass Rose is a bilingual public affairs firm in Ottawa. Since 2015, Compass Rose has been advancing the work of companies, organizations and industry associations from every sector of Canadian society — as part of its governing philosophy to help clients find the common good. From coast to coast to coast, the firm works with change agents and steadfast leaders across vital sectors such as fintech, tech and digital government, innovation, export, energy diversification, housing, ag, transportation, marine employers and operators, health and regulatory, natural resources such as potash and forestry, the Canadian creative sector, telecommunications, ecommerce and small business.

Compass Rose specializes in government relations, strategic communications, targeted information campaigns, stakeholder and relationship building and profile raising. At the core of everything the firm does is a commitment to providing clients with real time intelligence on Canada's public policy landscape and an overarching resolve to drive results.

The firm brings together former senior officials in politics and public service, award winning journalists and leading business and industry experts who have unsurpassed understanding of national issues and a commitment to provide the best in analysis and advice. To learn more, visit https://compassrosegroup.org/en/core-team

For more information

Samantha Thompson

sthompson@compassrosegroup.org