Linda Hasenfratz

Linda Hasenfratz is the daughter of Frank Hasenfratz,[3] the founder of Linamar.

She has a bachelor's degree and an MBA, both from the University of Western Ontario.[4]

In 1990, she started her career as a machine operator at her father's car parts factory.[5]

She has been CEO of Linamar since 2002, when she succeeded her father Frank Hasenfratz.[1] Initially, the company faced a few rough years after Hasenfratz took over, but since then, double-digit growth has increased revenue to $6 billion, and $522 million in profit.[6] Additionally, under Hasenfratz's leadership, there are now a total of 58 Linamar plants in 13 countries across Asia, North America and Europe. In May 2017, Hasenfratz spoke of Linamar's 23rd consecutive quarter of double-digit operating earnings growth.[7]

Hasenfratz is a member of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.[8] In 2014, she was the first woman to be named Canada's EY Entrepreneur of the Year.[1][9] She has been chair of the Business Council of Canada.[10] In 2018 she was named Canada's Outstanding CEO of the year.[11] Also in 2018, Hasenfratz was named to the Order of Canada.[12] In May 2019, she was named the University of Western Ontario's 23rd Chancellor.[13]

In December 2020, Hasenfratz joined the COVID-19 vaccine task-force for Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario. Following revelations she travelled outside of the country despite travel warnings, Hasenfratz resigned from the task-force on January 19, 2021.[14]

She is married to Ed Newton, a general contractor;[15] they have four children.