For more than three decades, the Allard Chair in Business, in partnership with the Allard Foundation, has upheld Dr. Charles Allard’s vision to recognize a distinguished businessperson and community leader and to provide students and faculty members an opportunity to meet an inspiring role model.
Individuals selected for this honour possess exemplary business acumen, demonstrate remarkable leadership skills and have made significant contributions to the community.
Announcing the 39th Allard Chair in Business
Brent Hesje
MacEwan University welcomes Brent Hesje, board chair of Fountain Tire, as the university’s 39th Allard Chair in Business.
“In addition to his exceptional career, Brent’s dedication to community building makes him a perfect choice for this position,” says Dr. Annette Trimbee, president and vice-chancellor. “In his more than 30 years with Alberta-based Fountain Tire, he’s been an important influence in the economic success and growth of our city. And, equally as important, his hard work as a volunteer in support of many important institutions has left an indelible mark on the Capital Region. I’m thrilled to welcome Brent as Allard Chair and look forward to the wisdom and insights he will bring to the MacEwan community.”
During his year-long appointment, Hesje will visit classrooms, give lectures and attend events, sharing his expertise and experiences with the MacEwan community.
“I am honoured,” says Hesje of the appointment. “MacEwan plays an important role in educating those who are about to enter the workforce, particularly in business. It’s an exciting time with the new School of Business building taking shape, and I look forward to getting to know many students, staff and faculty in the coming year.”
Past Allard Chairs include leaders such as: Angela Santiago, Kristina Botelho, Cam Naqvi, Bill Comrie, Simon O'Byrne, Teresa Spinelli, Irv Kipnes, Naseem Bashir and John Cameron. Each chair is an exceptional member of the Edmonton community and has brought something unique and personal to MacEwan during their time as chair.
Brent Hesje started his career with Procter & Gamble, where he spent seven years in sales management and category marketing positions throughout Canada. In 1992, Hesje joined Fountain Tire as marketing manager. He became an owner and vice-president of marketing in 1994 and in 2005 was appointed CEO. He has served on the board of directors of Fountain Tire since January 2005 and was elected board chair in May of 2022.
Hesje is active in the community and industry, having served as the board chair of organizations including the NAIT Board of Governors, Automotive Industries Association of Canada, YPO Alberta Chapter, Western Canada Tire Dealers and The Support Network.
Beyond Fountain Tire, he is currently a board member of EPCOR, Alberta Blue Cross, Great Western Brewing Company, Canadian Brewhouse and the Fraser Institute.
Hesje received the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce 2018 Northern Lights Award of Distinction for his exceptional leadership and the impact he and Fountain Tire have had on the greater community, and in 2023, he was inducted into the Northern Alberta Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame.
Allard Chairs in Business since 1985
The Chair in Business program connects the business leaders of today with our students. MacEwan University School of Business has had the privilege to welcome these outstanding business leaders into our classrooms to inspire and ignite passion for careers in business.
- Angela Santiago, 2025
- John Cameron, 2024
- Kristina Botelho, 2023
- Cameron Naqvi, 2022
- Naseem Bashir, 2020
- Tom Redl, 2019
- Teresa Spinelli, 2018
- Dr. Ray Muzyka, 2017
- Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, 2016
- Simon O’Byrne, 2015
- Dave Mowat, 2014
- Dale Wishewan, 2013
- Bill Comrie, 2012
- Irv Kipnes, 2011
- Liz O’Neill, 2010
- Art Meyer, 2009
- Diane Brickner, 2008
- Robert Rosen, 2006-07
- Ruth Kelly, 2005-06
- Harry Buddle, 2004
- Larry E. Anderson, 2002-03
- Nizar J. Somji, 2001-02
- Hon. Jim Edwards, 2000-01
- Cheryl Knebel, 1999-00
- Audrey Luft, 1998-99
- Gary Ford, 1997-98
- Gary Elliott, 1996-97
- Laural Manegre, 1995-96
- Martin Connell, 1994-95
- Margot Franssen, 1993-94
- Stanley A. Brown, 1992-93
- Sherry Ruteck-Orr, 1991-92
- John R. McDougall, 1990-91
- Barbara Rae, 1989-90
- Donald Stanley, 1988-89
- Mark Blumes, 1987-88
- Jerry Goodis, 1986-87
- Hugh Hardie, 1985-86
Get to know our Allard Chairs
About Dr. Allard and the Allard Chair program
Dr. Charles Alexander Allard (1919-1991) demonstrated tremendous vision throughout his professional career as both a doctor and businessman. He carried his vision through diverse experiences, including radio and television broadcasting and as one of the original owners of the Edmonton Oilers when they were part of the World Hockey Association. As a philanthropist, innovator, and entrepreneur, Dr. Allard made major contributions to the medical and business fields – and to the Edmonton community as a whole.
Dr. Allard created Allarco Developments, a public conglomerate, which included Northwest Trust, Crosstown Motor City and International Jet Air. He founded the Northwest International Bank and co-founded The Canadian Western Bank. In 1965, he became involved in broadcasting, establishing the first independent television station in western Canada, CITV. His company, Allarcom Limited, drew worldwide attention to Alberta, through the Celebrity Concert series and SCTV comedy television series.
Dr. Allard left an indelible mark on his community and continues to do so with a legacy of caring. In 1985, he established the Chair in Business honorary award in MacEwan’s School of Business to recognize a distinguished business and community leader and give students and faculty an opportunity to meet one-on-one with an inspiring role model. The Chair in Business program continues to be supported through the Allard Foundation.
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