Launi Skinner

Launi is the Chief Executive Officer of First West Credit Union, one of Canada’s leading credit unions with more than $7.7 billion in assets under administration, nearly 177,000 members and nearly 1,300 employees. Launi leads visioning and strategic direction for First West. She ensures its locally-led brand network, comprised of Envision Financial, Valley First and Enderby & District Financial, is able to make a real difference in the financial lives of its members. A leader known for inspiring change and achieving results, Launi is regarded as a champion for credit union renewal and innovation. Raised in Summerland, B.C., Launi brings more than 20 years of business-building experience in both the U.S. and Canada as a result of her time at Starbucks U.S. As president of Starbucks, Launi oversaw 7,000 company owned stores and 3,400 licensed stores, and managed an extensive management team with operational responsibility for 130,000 employees. Launi has been recognized for her leadership and business acumen including being named one of “Four Women to Watch” in Fortune Magazine's 50 Most Powerful Women feature. Since joining First West, she has been named as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women for past three years by the Women’s Executive Network and also received the 2011 Stevie Award for Best Canadian Executive. Launi was also named one of Business in Vancouver’s Most Influential Women in Business for 2012. Launi is currently a board member for Qtrade Financial Group, Rocky Mountaineer and Science World. In the community she serves as a community leader for the Minerva Foundation for BC Women as well as past event chair for the Vancouver YWCA Women of Distinction Awards.