Sam Hayes spent 27 years in leadership roles with CSL Group Inc., a large Canadian marine transport company with offices across Canada, Boston, Singapore and Sydney, Australia. The company's expanding operations and related ship-building projects provided him with extensive international exposure.
In his role as executive vice-president and CFO, Mr. Hayes developed new European banking relationships that financed substantial growth in CSL's domestic and international fleets. During his 13 years as president and CEO, Mr. Hayes led the expansion of operations throughout the world, resulting in significant improvements in profitability and financial strength for CSL. He retired as CEO in 2008 but remains active on the board of directors of CSL. He is a trustee of CSL’s pension plan and an advisor to another related company.
In addition to his directorship with CESO, Mr. Hayes is a member of the advisory board for the Shannon School of Business at Cape Breton University.