Dessalen Wood (Past Speaker)

Dessalen Wood, CHRP, is an HR professional, facilitator and coach who has specialized in passionately leading Learning and Development and Human Resources teams within blue chip Canadian organizations.  With over 20 years experience in mid size and large size Canadian and US organizations, such as Reitman’s Canada, Hudson’s Bay Company, The Children’s Place & The Disney Stores and most recently, as Vice President, Talent Development with Cineplex Entertainment, she has created multiple programs and support systems designed to create engaging corporate cultures, developing leaders at all levels. 

In her current role, Dess and her team are responsible for the growth, development and culture of the Cineplex’ multiple businesses in Canada and the US, working together to enable them to select, retain and develop their teams in order to continue to grow and drive the business. In her tenure, Cineplex has been a 3 time winner of the Waterstone Top 10 Most Admired Corporate Culture award, in addition to having been recognized by the Retail Council of Canada, with their award for Talent Development in 2015.