2024 - 2025 The Influencers

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ACG Toronto's INFLUENCERS Series showcases industry icons, and this past year, we were honoured to feature many business leaders, trailblazers, and industry influencers across various sectors. 

As we prepare for next year's INFLUENCERS Series, revisit this impactful seminars below and stay tuned for more inspiring speakers and engaging discussions in 2026!

The  Influencers — November 20, 2024:   Predicting the Next Investment Revolution

ACG Toronto’s INFLUENCERS Series took place on November 20, 2024, at the TMX Broadcast Centre. The event was presented in partnership with The Covenant Group, a Presenting Sponsor of the INFLUENCERS Series.

In an engaging conversation with Norm Trainor, Founder of The Covenant Group, our keynote speaker Michael Lee-Chin—Chairman and CEO of Portland Holdings—shared his remarkable journey as one of Canada’s most successful investors and entrepreneurs.

Michael outlined his powerful “3 P” Framework for wealth creation: Predict, Plan, and Persevere, offering insights on how demographic forecasting, strategic planning, and persistence are key to seizing emerging opportunities.

The  Influencers — February, 11 2025: Lessons in Leadership from a Canadian Business Icon

On February 11th, ACG Toronto hosted a compelling edition of The Influencers Series at the TMX Broadcast Centre, featuring Jon Love, Executive Chair and Founder of KingSett Capital. In an engaging discussion moderated by Simon Crawford, Partner at Bennett Jones, Jon shared key lessons from his distinguished career in real estate and investment, touching on business leadership, succession planning, and navigating adversity.

Attendees gained invaluable insights into the fundamentals of leadership from one of Canada’s top business minds. Jon’s reflections on resilience and success left a lasting impact, making this event a highlight of The Influencers Series.

The Influencers — September 4, 2025: Leading the Transformation of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment — From the Boardroom to the Locker Room

ACG Toronto hosted The Influencers Series at the TMX Broadcast Centre, featuring on September 4th, featuring Keith Pelley, President & CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). MLSE is one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment companies - as owners of the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto FC (MLS), Toronto Argonauts (CFL), Toronto Marlies (AHL), Raptors 905 (NBA G-League) and Toronto FC II (MLS Next Pro), hosting more than 3.8 million fans at its venues each year. The interview was moderated by Mike Fenton, President & CEO of ACG Toronto. Norm Trainor, President & CEO of The Covenant Group, provided the introduction for Mr. Pelley:

Keith Pelley is an iconic leader who needs no introduction, particularly in Toronto. He has a storied career in sports and is renowned for his leadership, thoughtfulness and concern for the people with whom he works. One of the greatest gifts you can give another person is your presence. Keith is a leader who acknowledges others and shows respect and interest in people at every level. He has the qualities that set great leaders apart — integrity, humility, dedication and passion.

The Influencers — October 14, 2025: Investing Through Cycles: Operational Excellence and Long-Term Value in Private Equity

On October 14th, ACG Toronto hosted the latest edition of The Influencers Series at the TMX Broadcast Centre, featuring Cyrus Madon, Senior Managing Partner at Brookfield. Madon shared valuable insights into how Brookfield navigates market cycles to identify resilient, cash-generating businesses. Drawing from decades of leadership, he underscored the strategic importance of operational improvement, disciplined capital deployment and a long-term value creation mindset.

The discussion highlighted how private equity continues to evolve across sectors, reinforcing the importance of operational excellence as a key driver of sustainable returns.
 

Thank you to all who joined us for this series—stay tuned for more industry-leading conversations with ACG Toronto in 2026!