Stantec appoints Susan Reisbord as president and CEO
Stantec announced a leadership transition effective October 1, with Susan Reisbord succeeding Gord Johnston as president and CEO. Johnston will retire as CEO and assume the role of vice chair of the Board. Reisbord, currently COO of North America, brings over 30 years of experience, including her tenure as CEO of Cardno prior to its acquisition by Stantec.

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Stantec has appointed Susan Reisbord as its next president and chief executive officer, effective October 1, succeeding Gord Johnston, who will retire from the role and transition to vice chair of the Board. Reisbord currently serves as chief operating officer of the North America business, the company's largest geographic operating unit. The leadership transition is the result of a long-standing, Board-led succession plan aimed at ensuring continuity and stability.
Doug Ammerman, chair of Stantec's Board of Directors, highlighted the strategic importance of the appointment. "Under Susan's leadership, Stantec is well positioned to deliver on its commitments today, while advancing into its next chapter of growth, including the development and execution of the Company's next Strategic Plan," Ammerman said.
Reisbord brings more than 30 years of industry experience to the role. She joined Stantec in 2021 through the acquisition of Cardno, where she was the CEO. She subsequently led the Environmental Services business line before being promoted to chief operating officer for North America in 2025. Johnston, who served as CEO for eight-and-a-half years, will support the company's future growth in his new capacity as vice chair.
Leadership Transition Details
The following table outlines the key changes in Stantec's leadership structure:
| Executive | New Role | Previous Role |
|---|---|---|
| Gord Johnston | Vice Chair of the Board | President and Chief Executive Officer |
| Susan Reisbord | President and Chief Executive Officer | Chief Operating Officer, North America |
Johnston expressed confidence in the incoming leadership, noting that Reisbord understands the company's business, strategy, and culture. "She will continue to drive operational excellence and growth across the company," Johnston said. The company emphasized that client relationships, project delivery, and operational focus remain unchanged.
Strategic Outlook
Stantec's Board emphasized that the succession plan reflects the strength of its leadership platform. Reisbord stated that she is excited to lead from a position of strength and stability, attributing this to the quality of the company's people. "I'm proud to take this great company forward, and I thank Gord for the foundation he's laid before me," she said.
During his tenure, Johnston led Stantec through a period of significant transformation, strengthening its global platform and reinforcing a culture of collaboration and technical excellence. The company trades on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol STN.
What specific strategic priorities will define Stantec's next Strategic Plan under Reisbord's leadership?
How might the leadership transition influence Stantec's approach to mergers and acquisitions?
What impact will Reisbord's background in Environmental Services have on the company's future project focus?
























