Leigh Clasby
Montreal
Summary
Performance-driven Vice President with 15 years of experience aligning systems with business requirements, policies, and regulatory requirements. Passionate about applying excellent organization and communication skills to manage and lead teams. Results-oriented individual well-versed in interfacing and consulting on business processes to drive results based on sound overall business judgment.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President Corporate HR (Canada & US)
Domtar
11.2024 - Current
- Developed and executed comprehensive HR strategies aligned with organizational objectives, focusing on talent management, succession planning, and labor relations
- Oversaw compliance with employment laws across multiple regions, ensuring alignment with federal and local regulations
- Led organizational change initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions, fostering smooth transitions and integration
- Implemented HR technology solutions to enhance workforce engagement and data-driven decision-making
- Collaborated with senior leadership to shape the organization’s vision and culture, driving alignment and innovation
- Used HR metrics and analytics to assess operations and improve KPIs, including turnover rates, absenteeism, and employee satisfaction
- Directed strategic initiatives at the corporate and business unit levels, fostering collaboration and leadership globally
Vice President Human Resources
Wood Products (QC, ON & U.S.)
11.2023 - 11.2024
- Created and executed HR strategies to meet regional business objectives, focusing on workforce planning, talent development, and succession planning
- Built strong labor relations frameworks and ensured compliance with employment laws across US, Ontario, and Quebec
- Directed the implementation of HR systems and processes to improve operational efficiency and employee engagement
- Provided leadership on safety initiatives, embedding a culture of workplace safety and adherence to regulations
- Partnered with operational leaders to align HR initiatives with business goals, driving workforce optimization
- Led organizational change efforts, including restructuring, policy revisions, and integration of compensation systems
- Analyzed HR data to measure the effectiveness of initiatives and recommend areas for improvement
- Supported leadership development through targeted training programs and succession planning efforts
Vice President Human Resources – Paper Excellence Canada
Paper Excellence Ltd.
05.2022 - 10.2023
- Developed and implemented comprehensive people and culture strategies to support operational and strategic goals in Canada’s pulp and paper sector
- Partnered with executives to address workforce planning, employee engagement, and leadership development
- Ensured compliance with Canadian labor laws and collective agreements, maintaining strong relationships with unions
- Designed and implemented programs for talent acquisition, succession planning, and performance management
- Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to foster an inclusive workplace culture
- Provided guidance on organizational development, including restructuring and change management initiatives
- Established and managed HRIS systems to optimize HR operations and data analysis
- Oversaw health and safety programs, ensuring adherence to provincial and federal regulations
- Collaborated with plant managers and operations teams to ensure alignment between HR strategies and business objectives
Director Talent Management
Pulp & Paper
02.2020 - 05.2022
- Served as Project Manager for the implementation of the UKG Enterprise system, including CoreHR, Onboarding, Recruiting, Talent Management, Performance Management, Compensation, and Learning Management System (LMS)
- Designed and launched talent management programs to support both internal and external talent development
- Developed and executed a comprehensive succession planning framework to address retirements and enhance employee retention
- Implemented an automated performance management process, supporting goal setting, mid-year reviews, and annual evaluations
- Centralized the recruitment process to streamline talent acquisition across headquarters and operational sites
- Modernized onboarding processes for salaried and hourly employees, enhancing the new hire experience
- Created a three-tier leadership development program for all management levels, including executives
- Established a junior talent initiative to ensure a robust pipeline of technical professionals
- Spearheaded employee branding initiatives to elevate the organization’s reputation as an employer of choice
Human Resources Manager
Howe Sound Pulp & Paper Ltd.
05.2018 - 02.2020
- Provided strategic HR leadership to support mill operations, focusing on employee engagement, retention, and workforce planning
- Oversaw labor relations, including collective bargaining, grievance resolution, and maintaining positive union-management relationships
- Designed and implemented training programs to enhance employee skills and ensure compliance with safety and operational standards
- Administered employee performance management systems, aligning individual goals with organizational objectives
- Partnered with operational leaders to develop succession plans and leadership pipelines for critical roles
- Ensured compliance with federal and provincial employment laws, as well as company policies and collective agreements
- Managed payroll, benefits administration, and workforce analytics to optimize HR operations and cost management
- Led health and safety initiatives to promote a culture of workplace safety and regulatory adherence
- Supported change management efforts during operational shifts, ensuring smooth transitions and employee alignment
- Provided coaching and mentorship to supervisors and managers to enhance leadership effectiveness
Human Resources Manager – Bear Lake Sawmill
Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
06.2017 - 05.2018
- Facilitated succession planning and talent development for management teams
- Managed occupational health and safety programs and administered collective agreements
- Led recruitment and onboarding initiatives for salaried and hourly employees
Human Resources Manager – Prince George Sawmill
Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
11.2014 - 05.2017
- Facilitated succession planning and talent development for management teams
- Managed occupational health and safety programs and administered collective agreements
- Led recruitment and onboarding initiatives for salaried and hourly employees
Human Resources Coordinator – Mackenzie Sawmill
Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
03.2012 - 10.2014
- Facilitated succession planning and talent development for management teams
- Managed occupational health and safety programs and administered collective agreements
- Led recruitment and onboarding initiatives for salaried and hourly employees
Assistant Office Manager
Opus Dayton Knight
01.2009 - 03.2012
- Managed vendor contracts and liaised with facility management vendors
- Supported onboarding processes and addressed office management issues
Education
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) -
University of Northern British Columbia
05.2011
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Psychology and Criminology
Simon Fraser University
05.2006
Skills
- Strategic HR Leadership & Talent Development
- Change Management & Organizational Transformation
- HR Technology & Analytics (HRIS, LMS)
- Labor Relations & Conflict Resolution
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advocacy
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Exceptional Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Team leadership
Accomplishments
- Successfully implemented comprehensive HRIS enterprise systems (SuccessFactors and UKG Pro), improving operational efficiency and data management.
- Designed and led innovative leadership development programs for executives and emerging leaders.
- Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives, enhancing workplace culture and employee engagement.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Vice President Corporate HR (Canada & US)
Domtar
11.2024 - Current
Vice President Human Resources
Wood Products (QC, ON & U.S.)
11.2023 - 11.2024
Vice President Human Resources – Paper Excellence Canada
Paper Excellence Ltd.
05.2022 - 10.2023
Director Talent Management
Pulp & Paper
02.2020 - 05.2022
Human Resources Manager
Howe Sound Pulp & Paper Ltd.
05.2018 - 02.2020
Human Resources Manager – Bear Lake Sawmill
Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
06.2017 - 05.2018
Human Resources Manager – Prince George Sawmill
Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
11.2014 - 05.2017
Human Resources Coordinator – Mackenzie Sawmill
Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
03.2012 - 10.2014
Assistant Office Manager
Opus Dayton Knight
01.2009 - 03.2012
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Psychology and Criminology
Simon Fraser University
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) -
University of Northern British Columbia
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