Ian Gunn is a distinguished executive with over 35 years of experience in the accounting and consulting industries. As a retired Partner from PwC Canada and currently serving as a Chair at TEC Canada, Ian’s career is marked by a profound commitment to excellence, governance, and strategic leadership.
Throughout his extensive tenure at PwC Canada, Ian demonstrated exceptional expertise in various domains, including assurance, financial reporting, and risk management. His role as a Partner, which he held from September 1985 to June 2021, involved leading the firm’s Private Company Services team and acting as the Real Estate Services Leader for the Calgary market. Ian’s contributions were pivotal in expanding PwC’s Private Client practice, where he successfully tripled its size under his stewardship. His deep understanding of financial and reporting controls, combined with his adeptness in navigating complex audit and compliance issues, made him a trusted advisor to numerous businesses.
Ian’s experience spans a diverse array of industries, including real estate, construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, and financial services. His expertise extends to Canadian and U.S. (SEC) securities matters, public disclosure documents, and complex financial transactions such as mergers and acquisitions. Ian’s skills in enterprise risk management, internal controls, and ERP systems implementations have been instrumental in guiding organizations through intricate financial landscapes.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Ian has been actively involved in governance roles. As a member of the Board of PwC LLP Canada from 2011 to 2019, he chaired the Governance, Partner Affairs, and Finance committees. His leadership during this period was crucial in steering PwC through a significant transition, introducing independent directors to enhance board representation and effectiveness. Ian also served as Director and Treasurer for Hockey Calgary, where he played a key role in transforming the organization’s governance structure to enhance accountability and oversight.
Ian holds a Master of Accounting (MACC) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting from the University of Waterloo. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and is accredited by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta and Ontario. His commitment to continuous learning and professional development is evident from his extensive career and ongoing contributions to the business community.
Currently, as a Chair at TEC Canada, Ian leverages his vast experience to support and mentor CEOs and high-performing leaders. His role involves guiding executives towards achieving their strategic goals and fostering personal and professional growth. Ian’s passion for helping others succeed, coupled with his strong analytical skills and commercial mindset, makes him a valuable asset to TEC Canada and its members.
Outside of his professional life, Ian enjoys golfing, traveling, skiing, and biking. He remains dedicated to giving back to the community through his volunteer work, reflecting his commitment to service and leadership both within and beyond the business realm.
Character: Ian Gunn is renowned for his unwavering integrity and dedication, exemplified through his long career at PwC and his leadership roles in governance and community service. His commitment to excellence and ethical standards has earned him the respect and trust of colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
Knowledge: With over 35 years of experience, Ian possesses extensive expertise in financial reporting, risk management, and audit services, encompassing both Canadian and U.S. standards. His deep understanding of complex financial transactions and diverse industry sectors highlights his profound knowledge and technical proficiency.
Strategic: Ian excels in strategic leadership, demonstrated by his successful expansion of PwC’s Private Client practice and his role in guiding organizations through significant financial and governance transitions. His ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives has consistently driven organizational growth and enhanced operational effectiveness.
Communication: Ian is a skilled communicator, known for his ability to convey complex financial concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. His role as a Chair at TEC Canada and his past governance positions reflect his talent for fostering collaboration and facilitating productive discussions among executives and board members.
