Sept. 12, 2019
For Immediate Release

Waterloo – Wilfrid Laurier University has appointed Lynda Hawton Kitamura, an executive with the Electronic Products Recycling Association, as the new chair of the university’s Board of Governors. Hawton Kitamura, who succeeds former chair Jillian Swartz, 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.

Hawton Kitamura succeeds outgoing chair Jillian Swartz, a Toronto-based business lawyer and Laurier alumna. Swartz has been a member of Laurier’s Board of Governors since 2012 and has served on every standing committee, including as chair of the Buildings and Property Committee and the Executive and Governance Committee, as well as a member of Senate. She will continue on the board as a community-at-large member, past chair and chair of the Nominations Committee.

“We are grateful to Jillian for her work on the Board of Governors over the past seven years,” said MacLatchy. “I am thankful to Jillian for her ongoing commitment to Laurier’s vision and mission.”