Tapscott-Lopes Business and Society Lecture

The Tapscott-Lopes Business and Society Lecture brings prominent speakers to Trent University and the community to address issues of values and ethics as they pertain to business and society.

Maple Leaf Food’s Purpose

At the head of Maple Leaf Foods for over 25 years, Michael McCain has not only thrived while managing through challenging situations, but he has also helped develop a leading culture, and an organization on the cutting edge of sustainability and growth. Mr. McCain shared his experiences in conversation with Dr. Don Tapscott and answered audience questions.

Watch the recording of Maple Leaf Food's Purpose

Michael McCain

President and Chief Executive Officer, Maple Leaf Foods

Headshot of Michael McCain

Michael H. McCain is President and Chief Executive Officer of Maple Leaf Foods, one of Canada’s flagship food companies, with sales of $3.3 billion and employs approximately 13,000 people in Canada and the United States.

Mr. McCain has devoted his career to the food industry, starting at McCain Foods in the late 1970s, where he held a variety of roles, including president and chief executive officer of McCain Foods USA. He joined Maple Leaf Foods in 1995. Since then, he has been instrumental in establishing Maple Leaf as a strong and sustainable, values-based company with leading brands and market shares across its businesses and a bold vision for the future.

Mr. McCain and his team are deeply committed to being a global leader in sustainable proteins, reflected in ambitious goals in the advancement of nutrition, reducing antibiotic use in livestock, animal care, environmental sustainability, and enhancing food security nationally and globally.

Mr. McCain is a director of McCain Capital, Maple Leaf Foods and the Royal Bank of Canada. He is a member of the Richard Ivey School of Business Advisory Board, the Business Council of Canada, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation. He is also the honorary chairman of the Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security.

Born in Florenceville, New Brunswick, Mr. McCain attended Mount Allison University and received an Honours Business Administration degree from the University of Western Ontario. He holds honorary degrees from Brock University, Carleton University and Guelph University. He is devoted to his five children and family and lives in Toronto.

For more information, contact Babin Joy, babinjoy@trentu.ca.