As the CFO of Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), Sandy Treagus personifies the company's brand values of leading an active life by cycling and even kayaking to work.
MEC, Canada's largest outdoor retailer, prides itself on its sustainability initiatives and conservative financial approach. Treagus has been a key member of the leadership team ensuring that MEC sticks to these goals through thick and thin.
"The past five years have been a period of significant change and strategic growth at MEC, and Sandy has been an instrumental part of the development," said Mark Schmidt, managing partner of Davis LLP.
Treagus goes beyond the traditional CFO role and takes care of the MEC's real estate portfolio. He ensures that all new and existing building goes above and beyond LEED specifications. When asked how he keeps the company green in a competitive environment he responds by saying he doesn't know any other way.
"I believe the secret sauce for a truly outstanding contemporary CFO is balance of control and entrepreneurship, discipline and creativity. Our particular brand also requires the addition of a high level of personal integrity," said David Labistour, CEO of MEC. "Over my years in business, I have not met a CFO that brings this balanced approach to the executive table."
Treagus competed in the Canadian age group team for World Championships Triathlon in 2005 and he is an avid skier and kayaker. •
Q&A
Nomination remarks from Guyle Tippe, partner at KPMG
How has this nominee demonstrated leadership in finance?
Treagus is a key member of the leadership team at MEC, a leader in Canada's outdoor retail industry. His role extends beyond the conventional CFO role. Not only does Treagus manage the financial aspects of the company, he also oversees MEC's real estate portfolio and development, balances the financial needs with the unique needs of a member-owned organization, drives the sustainability initiatives of the organization and exemplifies the MEC culture by leading by example. MEC has achieved significant growth and milestones in the past few years and Treagus has been instrumental in the development and execution of this strategy.
How has this nominee contributed to strategic decision-making and growth of the company?
In a highly competitive and changing environment MEC has significantly improved its web content, imagery and launched an iOS app. Treagus ensures that they have been tested by robust business and financial planning and, therefore, contributed to the viability of, and engagement with the brand. In developing "new business" it is equally important to note that as a result of Treagus' robust analysis and due diligence, MEC has stepped back from some initiatives as a result of failing ROI assessments and opportunity cost.
How has this nominee demonstrated a commitment to sound ethics and reporting?
MEC is recognized for its leadership in ethical behaviour, transparency and a considered approach to business. This is manifested in a strong commitment to an open and honest account of its business in both its financial and sustainability reporting. Treagus leads by example in mandating ethical and transparent reporting.
How has this nominee demonstrated contributions to sustainability and community initiatives?
MEC is set apart from many organizations in the field of sustainability due to the delivery of its programs that are aligned to the materiality of the "business they do" and within the departments responsible for the day-to-day operations. As such, MEC applies financial rigour to its embedded sustainability initiatives and this is the purview of Treagus. He also coaches the U11 girls soccer team, a high school rugby team and the Caulfeild School track team.
