Invest Alberta Leadership Team

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Rick Christiaanse

Since October 2021, Rick Christiaanse has been leading Invest Alberta in breaking down barriers for investors and attracting high impact, high value investments and jobs to the province. Rick is a seasoned senior executive in the corporate, public, and not-for-profit sectors and brings decades of senior business leadership experience driving growth and completing multi-million-dollar investments globally. He offers a breadth of knowledge extending from the high-tech ecosystem for both start-ups and billion-dollar enterprises to working hand-in-glove with governments and not-for-profit organizations. A highly effective commercial tactician, Rick is adept at driving brand equity, operational results, and shareholder value in competitive markets.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Keith Bradley

In November 2023, Keith Bradley took on the role of leading Invest Alberta’s international business development team. With a wealth of experience spanning two decades, Keith has held executive positions in business development and operations across diverse industries. A track record of success in expanding businesses combined with a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape make Keith uniquely positioned to lead Invest Alberta’s team through its next stages of growth.

Chief Corporate Development Officer (CDO)

Denis Painchaud

Denis Painchaud joined Invest Alberta in April 2024. With over two decades of global and local experience in business development, government relations, communications, and stakeholder engagement, he brings valuable expertise to advance Alberta’s economic growth and diversification. In his position, Denis leads strategic initiatives and builds strong partnership networks to support global engagement, research-based innovation, and marketing, as well as guiding corporate priorities through strategic planning, employee engagement and culture development.

Chief Financial Officer

Bernie Hsie

Bernie Hsie joined Invest Alberta in June 2024, bringing extensive experience as a strategic financial partner. She is a multi-faceted finance leader with experience across the public, non-profit, and private sectors. She has a track record of developing strategies, building engaging and high-performing teams, and enhancing organizational efficiency and stakeholder relations. Bernie leads the Finance and Administration team who handle all aspects of Invest Alberta’s financial management, procurement, FOIP, legal and administrative operations.

Vice President, Stakeholder Relations

Margaret Ziolecki

Margaret Ziolecki joined Invest Alberta in April 2024. With approximately 20 years of experience, Margaret brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in sectors including economic development, tourism, aviation, energy, Indigenous business development, and more. In this role, Margaret leads Invest Alberta’s communications and stakeholder relations strategies and programs to strengthen strategic partnerships and accelerate the attraction of foreign owned businesses to the province. Margaret also works with the Board of Directors to ensure seamless alignment to the organization’s vision, goals, and direction.

Managing Director, North America

Jordan Speakman

Jordan Speakman leads the investment promotion team in North America, with advisors in San Francisco, Houston, Seattle, Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto, with plans to bring other markets online. The team focuses on increasing awareness of Alberta being a destination of choice for investment providing companies and investors advice and support in exploring investment opportunities and setting up operations in Alberta, across various key sectors.

Managing Director, Asia

Adeel Ahmad

Adeel Ahmad leads the investment promotion teams in Asia, which includes advisors located in New Delhi, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo. He supports the team in identifying and pursuing high-value investment opportunities for the Alberta market. Based in Seoul, Adeel is focused on ensuring appropriate partnerships are in place to build awareness of the investment opportunities and landscape in Alberta and promote emerging investment opportunities.

Managing Director, Greater China

Kevin Tsui

Kevin Tsui leads the investment promotion team for Greater China, overseeing investment attraction advisors located in Mainland China and Hong Kong. This team assists companies and investors across Greater China to capitalize on Alberta’s diverse industries and strong economy while developing partnerships to realize their business ambitions in North America.

Managing Director, EMEA

Denis Merkwirth

Denis Merkwirth leads the investment promotion team for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), with advisors currently located in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Spain. Based in Berlin, Denis manages the growth of a well-curated market presence and ensures that foreign investors across EMEA receive exceptional client services.