City: Kitchener-Waterloo

Chief People and Culture Officer

Massey Henry is pleased to once again support Kindred Credit Union (“Kindred”) — this time in the recruitment for a Chief People and Culture Officer (“CPCO”).

About Kindred Credit Union

Kindred Credit Union (“Kindred”) is a member-owned financial cooperative based in Southwestern Ontario. Kindred’s values-centred approach is woven into everything the organization does, making it the one-of-a-kind choice for those who want to “Make Peace with Your Money” – peace of mind and the impact of using money as a force for good.

Kindred offers a complete range of banking, borrowing, and investing products and services through eight branches and online. Members benefit from access to over 43,000 surcharge-free ATMs through THE EXCHANGE® Network in Canada and the Allpoint Network in the US.

Kindred was founded in 1964 and is rooted in the founders’ radical vision to see mutual aid put into faithful practice. Its core values of integrity, compassion, and stewardship continue to shape the organization today.

Kindred Today

From modest beginnings, Kindred has grown to $2.6B in assets under administration and provides everyday banking services to over 30,000 members. As of December 31, 2025, Kindred is the 10th largest credit union in Ontario and the 32nd largest in Canada. As the marketplace has changed, Kindred has adapted and continues to adapt, with their foundation and values remaining strong.

Kindred approaches banking with a forward-thinking mentality, proactively investing in the future to ensure the organization is prepared to serve its growing membership and impact its growing communities.

Kindred’s Purpose

Kindred’s Purpose is cooperative banking that connects values and faith with finances, inspiring peaceful, just, and prosperous communities.

Shared Values

Kindred operates in accordance with a strong set of shared values that are key to what makes it a values-centered financial institution, namely:

  • Integrity means we strive to align our words and actions with our values at all times. We hold ourselves accountable to keep promises and follow through on commitments. When a mistake happens, we make it right. We strive to do the right thing in the right way for the right reasons.
  • Compassion guides how we relate to each other and our communities, when it’s easy and when it’s not. We start with empathy, grace, and a deep appreciation for the equal value of each person, while also encouraging each other’s growth. Our mutual wellbeing depends on caring for one another in community where everyone is welcome.
  • Stewardship acknowledges that all we have has been entrusted to us and we are called to be wise with the money, time, and other resources in our care. We will be a trustworthy expert our members can rely on to do what’s in their best interest and that of our credit union.

Seven Cooperative Principles

As a credit union, Kindred shares the seven cooperative principles that have been in place for more than 100 years, including:

  • Voluntary and Open Membership
  • Democratic Member Control
  • Member Economic Participation
  • Autonomy and Independence
  • Education, Training, and Information
  • Cooperation Among Cooperatives
  • Concern for Community

Please visit the International Cooperative Alliance website for more information about the Seven Cooperative Principles.

Products and Services

Kindred offers a range of financial services to interested members seeking an alternative to traditional banking institutions. Leveraging unparalleled member experience, Kindred offers the opportunity to engage in values-centered banking, and the ability to become both a member and an owner, offering its members a full suite of banking products and services, including:

  • Everyday banking – personal and business
  • Loans and mortgages
  • Wealth, investments and insurance
  • Planning and advice

Values Products

Building on a foundation of mutual aid, Kindred offers a suite of unique values products designed to enable members to support each other and to extend access to financial services across the community, including:

  • Affordable Housing GIC and Loan – Canada’s first for members to support loans for affordable housing.
  • Community Inspiration GIC – for members to earn bonus interest for a church or charity of their choice.
  • No/low fee accounts – for charitable and community organizations, refugees, recipients of Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), or Ontario Works.
  • HomeShare Mortgage – for two or more members to pool resources together to buy a home.
  • Escalator Loan – for members who struggle with access to traditional credit options.
  • Creation Care Loan – for members to purchase environmentally sustainable home upgrades.
  • Crisis Care GIC and Loan – for members to support other members in financial hardship or distress.
  • Partnership GIC and Loan – for member to designate funds as a loan for another member or charitable organization.

Additionally, in 2016, Kindred became the first financial institution in Canada to have all their GICs validated as Socially Responsible Investments (SRI), and the credit union continues to implement a rigorous review process to ensure their members’ money is invested in ways that fit their values to build a more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable world.

Governance Structure

Kindred’s leadership consists of three groups: the Board of Directors, the Senior Leadership Team, and the Council of Members. These teams work closely together to ensure the continuing success and sound governance of the credit union.

  • The Board of Directors establishes Kindred’s strategic direction, monitors the overall strength and financial performance of the organization, assesses the satisfaction of members, and ensures the credit union continues to be an engaging employer.
  • The Senior Leadership Team provides strategic oversight and direction, developing and managing strategies necessary to attain the credit union’s goals and objectives.
  • The Council of Members works closely with the Governance Committee of the Board, ensuring integrity in the recruitment of Directors to serve on the Board on behalf of the Membership.

Community Engagement

Kindred’s purpose is lived out through its members and in community with the congregations and charitable organizations that they support financially and volunteer with. Kindred strives to make a positive impact in the communities they serve by supporting tangible impacts, including monetary contributions, programs, and events, in two key focus areas:

  • Housing Stability: Building partnerships to advance the availability and stability of safe and affordable housing.
  • Food Security: Engaging with different partners to improve access to healthy food and contribute to the development of a sustainable food system.

Kindred gave more than $750,000 in charitable giving on behalf of its members in 2025.

The Kindred Charitable Fund Committee approved more than $160,000 in grants for 2025, and more than $1.6 million since 1999. More than 200 groups have benefited from these grants, which have impacted people and communities across Ontario.

Additional Information

Please visit the Kindred website for more information about their purpose and operations, including the current Board of Directors, Senior Leadership Team, and the Council of Members. These three teams work closely together to ensure the continuing success and sound governance of the credit union.

To learn more about Kindred, we also encourage candidates to review their 2024 Annual Report.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and serving as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (“SLT”), the Chief People and Culture Officer (“CPCO”) provides strategic leadership and oversight of Kindred’s Human Resources (HR) and Organizational Development (OD).

The CPCO ensures that corporate strategy elevates organizational culture and core values, while aligning people-centric initiatives with strategic goals. The CPCO guides cross-functional collaboration with other senior leaders to shape culture; improve organizational effectiveness, agility, and innovation; and grow a future-ready workforce that is engaged, high-performing, accountable, and sustainable.
By fostering a wholistic ecosystem perspective and leveraging data-driven insights, the CPCO cultivates an employment experience that reflects Kindred’s commitment to people and purpose and continuously strengthens Kindred’s employer brand.

Key Responsibilities

Impact and Contribution

  • Empowers and supports the team through strategic direction, coaching, and development.
  • Fosters a collaborative and engaged high-performing team, ensuring they see how they contribute towards Kindred’s long-term impact and future.
  • Cultivates a vibrant and purpose-driven workplace culture where employees experience an employment journey aligned with shared corporate values.
  • Drives engagement and performance through innovative HR and OD strategies.
  • Equips leadership with strategic insights, guidance, and support to make values-based, purpose-driven decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Ensures the workforce is future ready, effectively achieving current priorities while remaining agile and prepared for future challenges.
  • Reinforces Kindred’s reputation as a preferred employer and a trusted, values and purpose-driven financial partner that adapts and innovates to meet the evolving needs of its members and communities.

Core Accountabilities

Executive Strategy and Governance

  • Champions Kindred’s values, culture considerations, and employee experience in executive decision-making and strategy development, framing people as a strategic asset.
  • Ensures the senior leadership team and Board of Directors are appropriately engaged in decisions and issues related to areas within the CPCO’s purview.
  • Proactively contributes to enterprise risk oversight by flagging and mitigating culture and workforce-related risks, including legal and regulatory risks.
  • Serves as a primary liaison to the Board on Governance and HR matters, Board training, Board and executive compensation frameworks, and regulatory reporting.
  • Provides a stabilizing leadership presence during crises and organizational change.

Strategic Advisory

Serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO and SLT on culture, HR, OD, design, and change related matters:

  • Advises and coaches senior and business unit leaders on sensitive, confidential, and complex HR issues.
  • Partners on significant culture, OD, design, and change initiatives to help facilitate Kindred-wide consistency balanced with agility, innovation, and leadership accountability.
  • Proactively identifies issues and opportunities to the CEO and SLT where HR, OD, or design interventions would support Kindred’s business strategy and recommends and/or implements effective solutions.
  • Guides the CEO and SLT in succession planning and talent management strategies, ensuring workforce readiness and sustainability.
  • Coaches and encourages senior leaders around their accountability for culture; change leadership; employee performance, development, wellness, belonging, and engagement.
  • Leads the development of executive compensation programs and practices.
  • Supports the CEO in facilitating SLT development.

Culture and Organizational Vision

Leads the development and implementation of enterprise-wide people and culture vision and strategies:

  • Guides the corporate culture’s evolution to advance Kindred’s purpose and strategic objectives.
  • Leads and advises on culture and organizational change efforts, advocating for and coaching with agility, best practices, and a human-centric approach.
  • Shapes strategic compensation, development, wellness, EDI, and engagement programs that support and mobilize employees to help realize Kindred’s purpose and strategy, directing key investments in Kindred’s people.
  • Oversees the internal communication strategy and delivery to promote and foster organization-wide community and connection to Kindred’s purpose and strategy.

Strategic HR and OD Leadership

Provides strategic direction and leadership for HR and OD initiatives, ensuring all aspects of the employee experience and lifecycle reflect Kindred’s values and brand, meet changing needs, and support Kindred’s purpose and strategic goals:

  • Leads the People and Culture department (including all HR and OD functions, Learning and Development, Payroll, and Corporate Administration and Governance), ensuring all team members are aligned, performing, developed, rewarded, recognized, and engaged.
  • Guides and supports the team in their OD and change management engagements.
  • Oversees the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of innovative programs related to all aspects of HR, such as talent acquisition, total rewards, learning and development, performance management, engagement, workforce planning, and employee relations.
  • Oversees the design of meaningful policies and practices that are compliant with legislation and regulation.
  • Ensures HR systems, policies, and practices are equitable, efficient, effective, sustainable, future focused.
  • Leverages people and culture analytics and insights to inform departmental and executive decisions and measure progress on key initiatives.
  • Ensures Kindred’s employer brand resonates and is effective internally and in the marketplace.

The Individual

Bringing 15+ years of progressive HR and organizational leadership experience, the Chief People and Culture Officer (“CPCO”) is a strategic, values-driven leader with deep expertise in HR strategy, organizational development, and culture leadership. The ideal candidate brings experience applying strong systems thinking and data fluency to design scalable, effective operating models that enable performance and informed decision-making.

A proven change leader, the CPCO has led complex organizational design initiatives and enterprise-wide transformation, aligning structure, roles, and capabilities to evolving business strategy. With experience overseeing multidisciplinary teams, they foster collaboration and clarity while embedding values into day-to-day business operations.

The CPCO brings high emotional intelligence, strong communication and facilitation skills, and a pragmatic, execution-oriented approach. Balancing analytical rigor with thoughtful leadership, they deliver people and culture strategies that strengthen organizational effectiveness and support long-term business and purpose-driven outcomes.

Key Qualifications

Technical Skills and Experience

  • 15+ years of progressive HR or organizational leadership, ideally in financial services.
  • Experience leading complex organizational change and cultural transformation.
  • Proven oversight of multidisciplinary teams.
  • Proven strategic and values-based leadership skills.
  • Strong emotional intelligence and communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong systems thinking, problem-solving skills, and facilitation skills.
  • Strong analytical skills and data fluency.
  • Demonstrates a deep understanding of emerging industry trends and thought leadership on HR and OD, with the ability to serve as an advisor to the CEO, broader SLT, and Board of Directors as required.

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, or related field.
  • Master’s degree or professional certifications in HR or Leadership.
  • CHRL equivalent or higher.

Chief Digital and Marketing Officer

Massey Henry is pleased to once again support Kindred Credit Union (“Kindred”) – this time in the recruitment for a Chief Digital and Marketing Officer (“CDMO”). As a member-owned financial cooperative, Kindred is driven by its purpose: Cooperative banking that connects values and faith with finances, inspiring peaceful, just, and prosperous communities.

About Kindred

Kindred Credit Union (“Kindred”) is a member-owned financial cooperative based in Southwestern Ontario. Kindred’s values-centred approach is woven into everything the organization does, making it the one-of-a-kind choice for those who want to “Make Peace with Your Money” – peace of mind and the impact of using money as a force for good.

Kindred offers a complete range of banking, borrowing, and investing products and services through eight branches and online. Members benefit from access to over 43,000 surcharge-free ATMs through THE EXCHANGE® Network in Canada and the Allpoint Network in the US.

Kindred was founded in 1964 and is rooted in the founders’ radical vision to see mutual aid put into faithful practice. Its core values of integrity, compassion, and stewardship continue to shape the organization today.

Kindred Today

From modest beginnings, Kindred has grown to $2.6B in assets under administration and provides everyday banking services to over 29,000 members. As of December 31, 2024, Kindred is the 10th largest credit union in Ontario and the 32nd largest in Canada. As the marketplace has changed, Kindred has adapted and continues to adapt, with their foundation and values remaining strong.

Kindred approaches banking with a forward-thinking mentality, proactively investing in the future to ensure the organization is prepared to serve its growing membership and impact its growing communities.

Kindred’s Purpose

Kindred’s Purpose is cooperative banking that connects values and faith with finances, inspiring peaceful, just, and prosperous communities.

Shared Values

Kindred operates in accordance with a strong set of shared values that are key to what makes it a values-centered financial institution, namely:

  • Integrity means we strive to align our words and actions with our values at all times. We hold ourselves accountable to keep promises and follow through on commitments. When a mistake happens, we make it right. We strive to do the right thing in the right way for the right reasons.
  • Compassion guides how we relate to each other and our communities, when it’s easy and when it’s not. We start with empathy, grace, and a deep appreciation for the equal value of each person, while also encouraging each other’s growth. Our mutual wellbeing depends on caring for one another in community where everyone is welcome.
  • Stewardship acknowledges that all we have has been entrusted to us and we are called to be wise with the money, time, and other resources in our care. We will be a trustworthy expert our members can rely on to do what’s in their best interest and that of our credit union.

Seven Cooperative Principles

As a credit union, Kindred shares the seven cooperative principles that have been in place for more than 100 years, including:

  • Voluntary and Open Membership
  • Democratic Member Control
  • Member Economic Participation
  • Autonomy and Independence
  • Education, Training, and Information
  • Cooperation Among Cooperatives
  • Concern for Community

Please visit the International Cooperative Alliance website for more information about the Seven Cooperative Principles.

Products and Services

Kindred offers a range of financial services to interested members seeking an alternative to traditional banking institutions. Leveraging unparalleled member experience, Kindred offers the opportunity to engage in values-centered banking, and the ability to become both a member and an owner, offering its members a full suite of banking products and services, including:

  • Everyday banking – personal and business
  • Loans and mortgages
  • Wealth, investments and insurance
  • Planning and advice

Values Products

Building on a foundation of mutual aid, Kindred offers a suite of unique values products designed to enable members to support each other and to extend access to financial services across the community, including:

  • Affordable Housing GIC and Loan – Canada’s first for members to support loans for affordable housing
  • Community Inspiration GIC – for members to earn bonus interest for a church or charity of their choice
  • No/low fee accounts – for charitable and community organizations, refugees, recipients of Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), or Ontario Works
  • HomeShare Mortgage – for two or more members to pool resources together to buy a home
  • Escalator Loan – for members who struggle with access to mainstream credit options
  • Creation Care Loan – for members to purchase environmentally sustainable home upgrades
  • Crisis Care GIC and Loan – for members to support other members in financial hardship or distress
  • Partnership GIC and Loan – for member to designate funds as a loan for another member or charitable organization

Additionally, in 2016, Kindred became the first financial institution in Canada to have all their GICs validated as Socially Responsible Investments (SRI), and the credit union continues to implement a rigorous review process to ensure their members’ money is invested in ways that fit their values to build a more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable world.

Governance Structure

Kindred’s leadership consists of three groups: the Board of Directors, the Senior Leadership Team, and the Council of Members. These teams work closely together to ensure the continuing success and sound governance of the credit union.

  • The Board of Directors establishes Kindred’s strategic direction, monitors the overall strength and financial performance of the organization, assesses the satisfaction of members, and ensures the credit union continues to be an engaging employer.
  • The Senior Leadership Team provides strategic oversight and direction, developing and managing strategies necessary to attain the credit union’s goals and objectives.
  • The Council of Members works closely with the Governance Committee of the Board, ensuring integrity in the recruitment of Directors to serve on the Board on behalf of the Membership.

Community Engagement

Kindred’s purpose is lived out through its members and in community with the congregations and charitable organizations that they support financially and volunteer with. Kindred strives to make a positive impact in the communities they serve by pledging to tangible impacts, including monetary contributions, programs, and events, in three key focus areas:

  • Housing: Building partnerships to advance the availability of safe and affordable housing.
  • Hunger: Engaging with different partners to improve access to healthy food and contribute to the development of a sustainable food system.
  • Mental Health: Partnering to help support mental well-being for employees, families, and communities.

Kindred gave more than $650,000 in charitable giving on behalf of its members in 2024.

The Kindred Charitable Fund Committee approved more than $160,000 in grants for 2025, and more than $1.6 million since 1999. More than 200 groups have benefited from these grants, which have impacted people and communities across Ontario.

 

The Opportunity

The Chief Digital and Marketing Officer (“CDMO”) is responsible for shaping and driving the enterprise vision for brand positioning, ensuring a member-centric and purpose-driven brand experience across all communication and distribution channels, with particular focus on digital channels. This role leverages strategic data insights, digital and AI capabilities, branding, communications, and performance marketing to develop and implement transformative strategies.

The CDMO will steward the organization’s social purpose, crafting and implementing innovative strategic and operational plans that will guide Kindred’s transition to the next level of authentically fulfilling its social purpose.

As a catalyst for empathy-driven ideation, creativity, and strategic experimentation, the CDMO brings a fresh perspective and champions the voice of the member and data-driven insights to enhance decision-making and lead digital experience transformation.

The CDMO fosters innovation, inspiring teams to push boundaries to redefine financial services, including integrated omnichannel banking experiences and responsibly leveraging emerging AI and other technology to shape the future of member experience and engagement, while championing Kindred’s purpose.

Strategic Leadership and Vision

  • Develops the vision, multi-year strategy, and annual operating plans and budgets for social purpose, brand, member and market insights, marketing and PR, and digital.
  • Serves as a catalyst for bold ideas on social purpose, design thinking, member experience, brand, product development, and digital experience transformation.
  • Drives innovation in new and exciting areas of unique distinction and growth, educating the organization on emerging concepts and inspiring the team to push toward new ways of realizing the purpose and delivering financial services.

Digital Experience

  • Integrates in-person and digital banking to create seamless omnichannel experiences.
  • Develops internal capabilities and determines external partnerships necessary to meet the organization’s digital and performance marketing aspirations.
  • Delivers and continuously improves data, digital, and AI-enabled marketing automation tools, capabilities, and services for the organization.

Brand, Marketing and Member Engagement

  • Champions and stewards Kindred’s purpose and brand.
  • Develops marketing programs for Kindred and business lines to support member acquisition, retention, and growth.
  • Measures and continuously improves marketing program effectiveness, the member experience, and Kindred’s social impact.
  • Brings a fresh perspective with broad external insights to advocate for the “voice of the member.”
  • Guides Kindred’s community engagement to further Kindred’s purpose.

Data-Driven Decision-Making and Insights

  • Leverages data insights to improve the quality and speed of decision-making and improve the member experience.
  • Creates an organizational understanding of the spectrum of member segments and journeys, ensuring the organization’s purpose, programs, and products serve members effectively.

Areas of Accountability

  • Social purpose leadership and community engagement
  • Brand and marketing
  • Member and market insights
  • Digital experience
  • Artificial intelligence (Champion)
  • Human Centered Design (HCD) practices

 

The Individual

Bringing 15+ years of relevant experience the Chief Digital and Marketing Officer (“CDMO”) is a bold, innovative, and strategic leader with deep expertise in performance marketing, branding, AI, and digital experience. They bring a forward-thinking mindset, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance decision-making and drive innovation while keeping the member experience at the core.

A natural change agent, this individual thrives in member-centric, social purpose organizations, inspiring teams to challenge convention and embrace an omnichannel approach. With a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, they foster collaboration and introduce emerging technologies to redefine financial services.

The CDMO brings exceptional leadership and communication skills and is both visionary and implementation-focused, capable of influencing senior stakeholders while delivering measurable impact. Adaptable and innovative, they balance creativity with analytical rigor, ensuring strategies further both business objectives and the organization’s broader social purpose.

Key Qualifications

Key Skills and Technical Experience

  • Digital Experience: Deep expertise in leveraging digital tools, platforms, and technologies to enhance member experiences and drive organizational growth.
  • Data Analytics and AI: Proficient in utilizing data insights and AI capabilities to inform strategy, improve decision-making, and enable digital experience transformation.
  • Brand Management: Skilled in crafting and implementing brand strategies that resonate with members and further the organization’s purpose.
  • Social Purpose and Impact: Knowledgeable in driving social purpose within organizations, ensuring alignment with the organization’s values and creating a positive societal impact.
  • Performance Marketing: Expertise in driving performance marketing initiatives, optimizing customer acquisition, retention, and engagement strategies.
  • PR/Communications: Strong experience in developing and implementing public relations and communication strategies that amplify the brand’s message and purpose.
  • Digital Growth Strategy: Proven track record of owning and implementing digital growth strategies that align with business objectives and member needs.

Education

  • Degree in business, marketing, or a related field.
  • MBA or other graduate degree is preferred.
  • Certification in Human-Centred Design or Agile/Lean methodology is considered an asset.

Chief Operating Officer

Massey Henry is pleased to once again support Kindred Credit Union (“Kindred”) – this time in the recruitment for a Chief Operating Officer (“COO”). As a member-owned financial cooperative, Kindred is driven by its purpose: Cooperative banking that connects values and faith with finances, inspiring peaceful, just, and prosperous communities.

About Kindred

Kindred Credit Union (“Kindred”) is a member-owned financial cooperative based in Southwestern Ontario. Kindred’s values-centred approach is woven into everything the organization does, making it the one-of-a-kind choice for those who want to “Make Peace with Your Money” – peace of mind and the impact of using money as a force for good.

Kindred offers a complete range of banking, borrowing, and investing products and services through eight branches and online. Members benefit from access to over 43,000 surcharge-free ATMs through THE EXCHANGE® Network in Canada and the Allpoint Network in the US.

Kindred was founded in 1964 and is rooted in the founders’ radical vision to see mutual aid put into faithful practice. Its core values of integrity, compassion, and stewardship continue to shape the organization today.

Kindred Today

From modest beginnings, Kindred has grown to $2.6B in assets under administration and provides everyday banking services to over 29,000 members. As of December 31, 2024, Kindred is the 10th largest credit union in Ontario and the 32nd largest in Canada. As the marketplace has changed, Kindred has adapted and continues to adapt, with their foundation and values remaining strong.

Kindred approaches banking with a forward-thinking mentality, proactively investing in the future to ensure the organization is prepared to serve its growing membership and impact its growing communities.

Kindred’s Purpose

Kindred’s Purpose is cooperative banking that connects values and faith with finances, inspiring peaceful, just, and prosperous communities.

Shared Values

Kindred operates in accordance with a strong set of shared values that are key to what makes it a values-centered financial institution, namely:

  • Integrity means we strive to align our words and actions with our values at all times. We hold ourselves accountable to keep promises and follow through on commitments. When a mistake happens, we make it right. We strive to do the right thing in the right way for the right reasons.
  • Compassion guides how we relate to each other and our communities, when it’s easy and when it’s not. We start with empathy, grace, and a deep appreciation for the equal value of each person, while also encouraging each other’s growth. Our mutual wellbeing depends on caring for one another in community where everyone is welcome.
  • Stewardship acknowledges that all we have has been entrusted to us and we are called to be wise with the money, time, and other resources in our care. We will be a trustworthy expert our members can rely on to do what’s in their best interest and that of our credit union.

Seven Cooperative Principles

As a credit union, Kindred shares the seven cooperative principles that have been in place for more than 100 years, including:

  • Voluntary and Open Membership
  • Democratic Member Control
  • Member Economic Participation
  • Autonomy and Independence
  • Education, Training, and Information
  • Cooperation Among Cooperatives
  • Concern for Community

Please visit the International Cooperative Alliance website for more information about the Seven Cooperative Principles.

Products and Services

Kindred offers a range of financial services to interested members seeking an alternative to traditional banking institutions. Leveraging unparalleled member experience, Kindred offers the opportunity to engage in values-centered banking, and the ability to become both a member and an owner, offering its members a full suite of banking products and services, including:

  • Everyday banking – personal and business
  • Loans and mortgages
  • Wealth, investments and insurance
  • Planning and advice

Values Products

Building on a foundation of mutual aid, Kindred offers a suite of unique values products designed to enable members to support each other and to extend access to financial services across the community, including:

  • Affordable Housing GIC and Loan – Canada’s first for members to support loans for affordable housing
  • Community Inspiration GIC – for members to earn bonus interest for a church or charity of their choice
  • No/low fee accounts – for charitable and community organizations, refugees, recipients of Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), or Ontario Works
  • HomeShare Mortgage – for two or more members to pool resources together to buy a home
  • Escalator Loan – for members who struggle with access to mainstream credit options
  • Creation Care Loan – for members to purchase environmentally sustainable home upgrades
  • Crisis Care GIC and Loan – for members to support other members in financial hardship or distress
  • Partnership GIC and Loan – for member to designate funds as a loan for another member or charitable organization

Additionally, in 2016, Kindred became the first financial institution in Canada to have all their GICs validated as Socially Responsible Investments (SRI), and the credit union continues to implement a rigorous review process to ensure their members’ money is invested in ways that fit their values to build a more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable world.

Governance Structure

Kindred’s leadership consists of three groups: the Board of Directors, the Senior Leadership Team, and the Council of Members. These teams work closely together to ensure the continuing success and sound governance of the credit union.

  • The Board of Directors establishes Kindred’s strategic direction, monitors the overall strength and financial performance of the organization, assesses the satisfaction of members, and ensures the credit union continues to be an engaging employer.
  • The Senior Leadership Team provides strategic oversight and direction, developing and managing strategies necessary to attain the credit union’s goals and objectives.
  • The Council of Members works closely with the Governance Committee of the Board, ensuring integrity in the recruitment of Directors to serve on the Board on behalf of the Membership.

Community Engagement

Kindred’s purpose is lived out through its members and in community with the congregations and charitable organizations that they support financially and volunteer with. Kindred strives to make a positive impact in the communities they serve by pledging to tangible impacts, including monetary contributions, programs, and events, in three key focus areas:

  • Housing: Building partnerships to advance the availability of safe and affordable housing.
  • Hunger: Engaging with different partners to improve access to healthy food and contribute to the development of a sustainable food system.
  • Mental Health: Partnering to help support mental well-being for employees, families, and communities.

Kindred gave more than $650,000 in charitable giving on behalf of its members in 2024.

The Kindred Charitable Fund Committee approved more than $160,000 in grants for 2025, and more than $1.6 million since 1999. More than 200 groups have benefited from these grants, which have impacted people and communities across Ontario.

 

The Opportunity

The Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) leads the development of Kindred Credit Union’s (“Kindred”) strategy and implementation of the purpose, short-term objectives and long-term strategy.

The COO provides leadership and oversight of business lines (Business Banking, Retail Banking – including Wealth and Insurance), products and pricing, sales and distribution, business development, partnership strategies, business agility and delivery. In addition, they will lead all related administrative and support functions, branch and business line operations, and drive innovation through effective management of process improvement, digitization, and automation to improve operational efficiency.

The COO is responsible for the ownership of advice and planning, leading large-scale transformation across the organization to deliver differentiated, values-centered, purpose-driven member experiences. They oversee business agility, ensuring best practices in product development, and the delivery of new products and services.

Collaborating with senior leadership, the COO develops and implements strategies that drive sustainable growth. They lead efforts to expand Kindred’s membership base, revenue opportunities, and regional presence, while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to social purpose.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Implementation

  • Lead the implementation of Kindred’s purpose and strategic objectives, ensuring alignment with long-term goals and short-term targets.
  • Develop and implement strategies that drive business growth, expand the membership base, and explore alternative revenue channels.

Business and Financial Oversight

  • Own the P&L for business lines: Business Banking, and Retail Banking – including Wealth and Insurance.
  • Oversee product development, pricing strategies, and sales and distribution to drive revenue growth and market competitiveness.
  • Drive accountability for results by setting clear sales targets and monitoring performance.

Operations and Process Optimization

  • Lead branch operations, contact center, administration, and support teams to ensure seamless service delivery.
  • Oversee the digitization and automation of operational process to maximize efficiency.
  • Establish performance metrics to drive accountability for operational outcomes, ensuring teams meet Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and deliver exceptional member experiences.

Member Experience and Service Excellence

  • Oversee creation and implementation of plans to enhance member service, engagement, and loyalty.
  • Lead advice and planning initiatives, leveraging research, data, technology and innovation to improve the member experience.

Innovation and Business Agility

  • Encourage and enable innovation by implementing agile practices in product development and the delivery of new products and services.
  • Drive operational excellence by leveraging digital transformation, process improvements, and innovative technologies to enhance overall effectiveness and efficiency.

Growth and Partnerships

  • Develop internal capabilities and external partnerships to support business expansion.
  • Identify and implement strategies that drive sustainable growth and increase revenue opportunities.

Areas of Accountability

  • Advice and planning
  • Business banking (Agriculture, Faith and Community Organizations, Commercial)
  • Retail banking (includes Personal Wealth and Insurance)
  • Contact centre
  • Branch operations
  • Support and related administrative teams
  • Product development, sales and distribution
  • Strategy development and delivery
  • Business agility and innovation

 

The Individual

Bringing 15+ years of relevant experience, the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) is a seasoned operations executive with a proven track record in managing multiple business lines, overseeing P&L, and driving sustainable growth. The COO brings experience in leading large-scale organizational transformations and driving continuous innovation and exceptional member experiences, with extensive expertise in product and pricing strategy, business development, and partnership strategies.

The COO brings a background in optimizing operations through digitization, automation, and process improvements, with a deep understanding of sales and distribution leadership, and technical proficiency spanning financial analytics, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms, cloud infrastructure, and agile methodologies.

Key Qualifications

Key Skills and Experience

  • P&L / Business Line Management – Proven leadership in managing multiple business lines, ensuring profitability and sustainable growth.
  • Advice and Planning – Leadership in reshaping advisory services, integrating innovation, and improving member engagement through values-centred advice.
  • Operational Efficiency and Digitization – Expertise in process optimization, automation, and leveraging technology to enhance productivity and streamline operations.
  • Product and Pricing Strategy – Expertise in developing competitive products and pricing models to enhance market positioning and drive revenue.
  • Business Development – Experience in identifying growth opportunities and establishing strategic partnerships.
  • Sales and Distribution Leadership – Strong background in sales strategy, channel distribution, and expanding market reach.

Technical Skills

  • Digital and Automation – Experience in the responsible implementation of AI, process automation, and data-driven decision-making to improve operational efficiency.
  • Agile and Lean Methodologies – Experience in agile operating models, product development cycles, and continuous improvement frameworks.
  • Financial Analytics and P&L Management – Proficiency in financial modeling, forecasting, business case development and performance tracking to ensure business profitability.
  • CRM and Customer Engagement Technologies – Knowledge of CRM platforms to enhance sales, service delivery, and member engagement.
  • Cloud and IT Infrastructure – Familiarity with cloud-based solutions and IT systems to support digital initiatives.
  • Change Management and Transformation Leadership – Expertise in leading large-scale organizational transformations, fostering innovation, and driving cultural change.

Education

  • Degree in business, finance, or a related field.
  • MBA or other graduate degree is preferred.
  • Certification in Lean or Agile methodology is considered an asset.
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