Since joining Lululemon Athletica Inc. in 2007, CFO John Currie has helped the company build a strong business model that has consistently grown revenues at a 35% compound annual growth rate. In 2011, net revenue increased 40.6% to $1 billion from $711.7 million in fiscal 2010.
“His capacity for strategic thinking about growth and how to invest in a premium brand [has] helped direct Lululemon to not only be a high-growth business model but to deliver a world-class operating margin while growing,” said Deloitte partner, enterprise risk, Shayne Gregg in nominating Currie.
In his five years at Lululemon, Currie has built strong teams in finance, accounting, IT and store development by hiring and developing top talent.
With a keen eye for opportunity, Currie leveraged his real estate knowledge during the recession to renegotiate leases to increase bottom-line profitability.
Prior to his current role, Currie worked for resort and leisure travel-provider Intrawest Corp. for a decade, first as senior vice-president, financing and taxation, from 1997 to 2004 and then as CFO from 2004 to 2006.
Before that, Currie, a chartered accountant, held senior financial positions with telecommunications service provider BCE Group and was a specialist in international taxation at Arthur Andersen & Co., a predecessor firm to Deloitte.
In 2009, Currie won a Deloitte Alumni Award honouring his “outstanding leadership qualities” in helping his organization “grow and win in the marketplace.”
Currie, who received his bachelor of commerce degree from the University of British Columbia, volunteers with Kiwanis International, Big Brothers and Vancouver Water Ski Club’s kids camp. •
