Robert J. Lawless commits to serving as CEO & Board Chair for two years

Toronto, Ontario, January, 26, 2011 – Opportunity International Canada is pleased to announce that interim CEO & Board Chair Robert (Bob) J. Lawless, retired CEO & Board Chair of McCormick & Co., has accepted an appointment to serve for an additional two years.

Mr. Lawless’s combination of business acumen and his personal philanthropic passion make him a perfect fit to lead Opportunity International Canada, and the organization is already feeling the effects of having a strong leader at the helm. Mr. Lawless has distinguished himself throughout his career as an outstanding international business leader and has helped build a world-class service organization with operations in 100 countries around the world and fiscal year revenues of nearly $3 billion.

Mr. Lawless has the ability to calmly manage through challenges while inspiring others.

“If you do tomorrow what you did today, you’ll be called competitive, but if each and every day you look at doing something different tomorrow then you did today, you’ll be called the best,” says Lawless. “It is an exciting time at Opportunity; our staff is energized and executing at a very high level with tremendous confidence in the future. We are on our way, good things are happening, challenges are before us that make us better every day.”

About Opportunity International Canada

Opportunity International provides small business loans, savings, insurance and training to over 2.5 million people working their way out of poverty in the developing world. Clients in over 20 countries use these financial services to start or expand a business, provide for their families, create jobs for their neighbours and build a safety net for the future. Opportunity International Canada is a registered Canadian charity and serves all people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visitus at opportunityinternational.ca or join the conversation at facebook.com/opportunitycan.

# # #

Media Contacts

Brady Josephson
National Director, Marketing & Communications
bjosephson@opportunityinternational.ca
778-384-7044