Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Carina Vassilieva is a visionary HR leader and global executive known for inspiring transformation and unlocking human potential across complex, multinational organizations.
As global chief human resources officer at Apotex, a Canadian-based global health company with operations in over 45 countries, Vassilieva leads the company’s global people, talent, and culture strategy. Her leadership is instrumental in shaping a high-performance, purpose-driven workforce of more than 6,000 employees, with major hubs in Canada, the US, Mexico, and India.
With nearly 30 years of senior leadership experience nationally and globally, Vassilieva has built a reputation for driving strategic impact through organizational redesign, M&A integration, and global talent development. She has partnered with boards and human resources and compensation committees across North America, Asia and Europe, bringing deep expertise in organizational transformation, executive compensation, succession planning, and inclusive leadership.
Her career spans senior roles at numerous multinational organizations and she continues to influence the future of work through academic and nonprofit board service. A Certified Executive Coach and lifelong learner passionate about effective organizational governance, she holds an MBA and a BSc in engineering and is pursuing her Chartered Director designation.
Vassilieva’s leadership philosophy centres on inclusivity, empowering people, fostering accountability and building future-focused transformative organizations that thrive in a rapidly changing world.
150 Signet Drive, Toronto, ON ML 1T9
416 749 9300
cvassilieva@apotex.com
linkedin.com/in/carinavassilieva
apotex.com
Carina Vassilieva
Global Chief Human Resources Officer
Apotex
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Bio
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Profile
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Bio
Milestones
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Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2006–2013
2015–2017
2017–2022
2023–Present
2024–Present
Senior Total rewards and subsequently, HR executive at Katz Group Canada (Rexall) Built enterprise-wide total rewards and led HR strategy during a period of rapid growth and transformation Served on multiple governance committees, including board compensation, pension investment, and M&A, shaping strategic decisions across the organization Management Representative on Board HR Compensation Committee 2008–2011: Co-Lecturer – Executive Compensation Course, Federated Press 2010–2013: Chair of the Board of Directors – Housing Help Centre & ID Clinic, York Region
2006–2013
Korn Ferry Hay Group
Senior leader in the executive compensation practice, advising North American clients on aligning business, people, and compensation strategies. Industry lead for consumer and retail sectors in Canada, with a focus on governance and transformation.
2015–2018: Part-time Professor, HRM Program at Georgian College School of Business
2015–2017
2017–2022: Global CHRO at Mundipharma Appointed as a first global CHRO for the UK-based global pharmaceutical company Spearheaded the globalization of a regionally dispersed organization, built the global executive team, launched the diversity & inclusion function, and led major restructuring initiatives that increased enterprise value Management Representative on Board HR Compensation Committee Global Executive Team Builder: recruited entire global leadership team at Mundipharma Diversity & Inclusion Pioneer: launched inaugural D&I function at Mundipharma with top-tier global employee feedback Transformation leader: led multiple M&A integrations, divestitures, and global restructuring initiatives across industries 2018–2020: Course Director, Master of Financial Accountability at York University 2022–Present: Mentor, Women Leaders in Pharma
2017–2022
Global CHRO at Apotex
Currently leading the global HR strategy for Canada-based global pharmaceutical company
Driving business and culture transformation, M&A integration, and capability development across 45 countries
Secretary of the HR Compensation Committee
2023–Present
Enrolled in the Chartered Director (C.Dir.) Program at The Directors College, McMaster University
Currently completing the prestigious Chartered Director designation, a rigorous governance education program designed for senior executives and board members; this credential underscores her commitment to board effectiveness, fiduciary responsibility, and strategic oversight in complex organizational environments
Advisory Committee Member, MS Biotechnology Program at Northeastern University
2024–Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.