Tom Norwell

Group Leader & Mentor

A global executive, Tom has held several key leadership positions in the retail and manufacturing sectors over his 35+ year career—including CEO, President, and Chief Operating Officer. Tom has successfully led businesses in Canada, the US, and Australia and has extensive experience in change management, operations, franchising, business restructuring, and market development.

Tom most recently served as Chief Operating Officer for Toys”R”Us Canada, leading the company through COVID and helping restore the retailer to profitability. This role marked Tom’s return to Toys”R”Us following a 24-year hiatus, as he spent the first seven years of his career in a variety of progressive marketing and operations positions with Toys”R”Us Canada before accepting a position to lead the launch of the retailer into the Austrailian market. During his three years “down under”, Tom grew the market considerably—opening and operating 17 stores within the first 13 months—and successfully coached the local executive team in preparation for his transition back to North America.

Tom also served as President and CEO of Extreme Retail (Canada) Inc.—a national retailer of franchised dollar stores with annual sales in excess of $200 million. Tom successfully restructured and grew the business, reducing overhead cost by 40% while increasing store count by 50%.

Tom previously served as President of Remington Industries Inc. (RII)—a US-based, global automotive accessory manufacturer. During his seven-year tenure, Tom guided the company through significant growth in both sales and profit, restructured the business into three separate entities, and shepherded all three companies through a divestiture process.

Tom has a true passion for team building, both in and out of the boardroom. He was the Assistant Head Coach and Linebacker Coach for the York University Lions football team from 2009 to 2018, and was awarded both the Gino Fracas Award and Assistant Coach of the Year award in 2015.

Tom attended Concordia University and is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Tom and Judy, his partner of 39 years, have two wonderful daughters who they are extremely proud of and who bring them great joy. When not working, you’ll find Tom either fly fishing or working in his wood shop.

CEOs who have the opportunity to work with Tom will benefit from the depth and breadth of his experience and his commitment to helping CEOs succeed.