EastGen is a Canadian not-for-profit agricultural organization dedicated to advancing productivity and profitability of livestock producers through genetic innovation, reproductive solutions and customized herd management tools. Headquartered in Guelph, ON, EastGen provides dairy and beef producers across Ontario, Newfoundland, PEI and New Brunswick, with access to world-class bovine genetics and cutting-edge technologies that drive herd improvement and operational efficiency.

EastGen was established in 2011 through the amalgamation of two long-standing and respected Canadian artificial insemination organizations, Gencor and Eastern Breeders Inc. The merger was driven by a shared vision to better serve producers across Eastern Canada through greater scale, operational efficiency, and enhanced access to world-class genetics.

EastGen is one of three co-owner organizations of Semex, which was formed in 1997 by Gencor, CIAQ, Eastern Breeders and WestGen. Semex is a globally recognized leader in bovine genetics, exporting Canadian dairy and beef genetics to more than 80 countries worldwide. Through this strategic partnership, EastGen plays an essential role in global innovation while delivering localized expertise to Canadian producers.

With a deep commitment to producer success, sustainable agriculture, and innovation, EastGen continues to support the evolving needs of modern farmers while preserving the values that have guided the organization since its inception.

For further information, please visit: https://www.eastgen.ca/

Position Purpose Summary
With the upcoming retirement of the long-serving General Manager, EastGen is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to guide the organization into its next chapter. The CEO is responsible for leading the organization, setting strategic direction, and ensuring the company's vision, core values, and culture are established and maintained. The role involves integrating operations, overseeing staff, and driving the company's commitment to genetic innovation and customer service in the dairy industry.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO leads a team of 6 senior managers and approximately 124 staff working across office, remote, and field settings. A key priority is strengthening alignment across teams and nurturing a collaborative, connected culture. This includes supporting both office and field teams, ensuring intentional cohesion between distributed groups, and fostering strong internal communication.

EastGen is a co-owner of Semex, alongside CIAQ and WestGen, and the CEO plays a vital role in representing EastGen’s interests in shared assets, innovation, and long-term strategy. This includes managing evolving partner dynamics and contributing to the future development of the partnership framework. The CEO also oversees EastGen’s distributorship of IMV Technologies, extending its reach into adjacent markets.

As the sole employee of the Board, the CEO is responsible for executing EastGen’s strategic plan, evaluating progress against key objectives, and adjusting operations to ensure desired outcomes. They serve as the primary liaison between the Board and staff, ensuring transparency, accountability, and clear communication.

Responsibilities
• Lead EastGen’s operations across office, remote, and field teams, fostering strong internal communication and organizational cohesion.
• Lead and guide the leadership team and organization ensuring effective collaboration and alignment across functions.
• Represent EastGen as one of three co-owners of Semex (alongside CIAQ and WestGen), managing evolving partner relationships and contributing to shared governance, innovation, and production strategies.
• Oversee EastGen’s role as an implementer of Semex-developed genetic and reproductive solutions to ensure effective delivery to members and customers.
• Lead EastGen’s distributorship of IMV Technologies, connecting the organization with adjacent industries and supporting the delivery of essential breeding tools.
• Champion EastGen’s mission, vision, and values, ensuring they are embedded in all aspects of organizational decision-making and daily operations.
• Guide and support staff development and internal communications to promote a connected, collaborative, and values-driven culture.
• Lead a corporate brand refresh to ensure consistency in internal and external communications.
• Maintain strong staff engagement and address emerging challenges related to turnover and workforce evolution.
• Maintain a strong talent foundation, and recruit strategically to attract and retain high-quality talent aligned with EastGen’s long-term needs.
• Ensure compensation, benefits, and employee development practices reflect a safe, inclusive, and growth-oriented work environment.
• Collaborate with the senior leadership team and Board of Directors to develop and implement a multi-year operational plan aligned with strategic objectives.
• Actively participate in Board meetings alongside senior staff, ensuring the Board receives timely, accurate and relevant information.
• Facilitate robust dialogue and collaborative decision-making, recognizing the Board’s active role while maintaining a clear distinction from operational management.
• Translate strategic priorities into operational goals, monitor performance, and adjust execution to ensure desired outcomes.
• Oversee corporate compliance, legal and policy matters, budgeting and actuals, and overall financial health.
• Serve as the sole employee of the Board of Directors, acting as the primary liaison between governance and operations to ensure transparency, accountability, and timely reporting.
• Provide regular updates to the Board on strategic progress, financial performance, operational risks, and emerging opportunities.
• Represent EastGen at industry events, conferences, and committees, promoting its mission and strengthening visibility and partnerships across the sector.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with producers, partner organizations, government agencies, consultants, and other key stakeholders.
• Monitor changes in industry trends, legislation, and public policy to anticipate risks, identify opportunities, and keep EastGen well-positioned for future success.

Skills and Qualifications
• Post-secondary education from an accredited institution. A degree in agricultural science is preferred; MBA or equivalent business education is considered an asset
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive people leadership experience, with a demonstrated ability to manage senior teams and support organizational performance
• Knowledge and experience in the agricultural, dairy, or animal genetics industries, and a strong passion for advancing the sector
• Experience working closely with a highly engaged and inquisitive Board of Directors, fostering constructive relationships and supporting informed governance
• Fluency in English, with proficiency in French considered an asset
• Open and willing to travel as required (approximately 10%), and maintains a regular physical presence at the Guelph office to support team cohesion and leadership visibility
• Ability to identify key risks, opportunities, and industry trends, and effectively advise the Board and senior leadership on strategic priorities
• Proven ability to inspire and align distributed teams, including field and office staff, through strong people management, motivation, and cultural integration
• Leadership style rooted in humility, openness, and authenticity, with a reputation for being approachable, composed, and grounded in high moral standards
• Strong business acumen with experience overseeing budgets, resource planning, and operational execution in complex environments
• Experience and understanding of governance practices and is comfortable participating in board settings, including Semex board meetings and other multi-stakeholder environments
• Able to communicate with clarity and credibility in both formal and informal settings,
• Confident representing the organization at events and in the field, with the ability to promote EastGen’s values, programs, and solutions in a compelling and authentic manner
• Strong relationship building capability across diverse demographics and stakeholder groups, including producers, distributors, and government partners

Competencies
• Problem-solving: Ability to translates complex issues into clear action and exercises sound judgment in changing conditions
• Self-Motivated: Ability to be resilient, driven and grounded in purpose.
• Interpersonal Relations and Communication: Communicates clearly and directly, connecting across diverse teams and roles and fostering collaboration
• Understanding of Self and Others: Open to feedback and continuous growth, adapts quickly to changing organizational needs and industry dynamics

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their cover letter and resume by clicking on APPLY TO THIS POSITION attention::
Samantha Galati
Principal
Bedford Resources

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.