Bolton’s Lynda Hawton Kitamura appointed chair of Wilfrid Laurier University Board of Governors

Written By MARK PAVILONS

A Bolton woman has been appointed to a high-profile academic post.

Lynda Hawton Kitamura, an executive with the Electronic Products Recycling Association, is the new chair of the Wilfrid Laurier University's Board of Governors. She succeeds former chair Jillian Swartz, and took on the new role July 1.

“As a business executive and Laurier alumna, Lynda has a combination of experience and commitment that will make her an exceptional board chair,” said Deborah MacLatchy, Laurier's president and vice-chancellor. “Lynda is an excellent choice by the Board to serve as Chair as we implement the Laurier Strategy 2019-2024 and continue our vision of growing a comprehensive, multi-campus university.” 

Hawton Kitamura is the chief financial officer and vice-president of operations for the Electronic Products Recycling Association, a national industry-funded not-for-profit. She has served on Laurier's Board of Governors since she was provincially appointed as a Lieutenant Governor in Council representative in 2014. She has served on board committees, including as chair of the board's Finance and Investments Committee, as well as the Strategic Planning Steering Committee and search committees for senior executives. She has also served as a member of Senate.

Prior to joining the recycling association, Hawton Kitamura was the vice-president, finance at Hewlett-Packard, managing business throughout the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East and North America, Central America and South America. Hawton Kitamura also spent seven years as the chief financial officer at HP Canada.

“I am honoured and privileged to take on the role of chair at Wilfrid Laurier University,” said Hawton Kitamura. “This outstanding institution, ranked first in student satisfaction, is a testament to our inspirational students, staff, faculty, donors, alumni and communities. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead as we continue to excel under the leadership of President MacLatchy and our strong Board and Senate.”

Hawton Kitamura was named one of the Top 100 Women in Canada by the Women's Executive Network in 2003 and 2009. She received her ICD.D designation in 2013, is a CPA and CMA, and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Laurier and a Master of Business Administration from McMaster University.