Title: Associate Vice President of Technology

Company: Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited

Location: Etobicoke, Ont.

Uma Gopinath is a results-oriented and resourceful leader experienced in driving enterprise-wide change initiatives. She is a trusted technology professional recognized for strong business acumen and an innovative mind, combined with sharp analytical abilities. She holds the track record for building successful teams and developing strong partnerships. Last year, Ms. Gopinath was in charge of over $250,000,000 in projects.

Throughout her work-week, Ms. Gopinath oversees the entire technology department for Canadian Tire Corporation, hires college graduates right out of university to get them involved with jobs, and helps the financial department, while handling innovative ideas. Having only been in this position for three years, she draws upon 27 years of expertise in development of new and progressive idea creation. In five years, Ms. Gopinath would like to be fully retired, but take up consulting and coaching.

Initially, Ms. Gopinath became involved in her profession because she was inspired to get involved within the technology industry by her uncle. While she was studying in India, her uncle was working as a software developer. Throughout her career, she has attributed her success to being flexible and open to situations, and being able to work with people extremely well. Ms. Gopinath earned a Bachelor of Engineering in electrical and electronics engineering from Anna University.