RJC Engineers (RJC), a national, employee-owned engineering firm, has announced the appointment of Laura Hartwell and Phil Noble as external members of its Board of Directors. The appointments were approved by shareholders at the firm’s Annual General Meeting on June 11, 2026, marking a significant governance milestone and underscoring RJC’s commitment to building an independent, high-calibre Board as it scales nationally.
New Board Members Bring Diverse Expertise
Laura Hartwell, ICD.D, is an accomplished corporate executive and certified independent board director with over three decades of experience in technology, business strategy, governance, and enterprise transformation. She previously served as Executive Vice President of Western Canada at IBM Canada, where she collaborated with C-suite clients to deliver technology-enabled transformation and drive sustained business growth. Currently, she serves as an independent director of Mullen Group Ltd. and brings expertise in enterprise strategy, risk management, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
Phil Noble, FCPA, FCA, is a former CEO and global board member with extensive experience leading and governing large professional services organizations. As CEO of Grant Thornton LLP in Canada, he was responsible for national strategy, financial performance, and partner alignment. He also served on the Board of Governors of Grant Thornton International, chairing both the Enterprise Risk Management Committee and the Board Governance Review Committee. He is a past Board Chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, where he engaged directly with public policy and national business priorities. His background includes deep experience in governance, risk management, strategic planning, and leadership succession.
Leadership Perspectives
“Laura and Phil bring exceptional leadership experience and fresh perspectives that will strengthen our Board as we continue building on RJC’s legacy and preparing for the opportunities ahead,” said Jeff Rabinovitch, Chair of RJC Engineers’ Board of Directors. “Their expertise will help guide the firm as we grow, evolve, and create lasting impact for our people, clients, and communities.”
Hartwell expressed her enthusiasm: “I’m delighted to join the RJC Board at such an exciting moment for the firm and for the engineering sector broadly. RJC’s employee-ownership model and its commitment to technical excellence, creativity, and teamwork give it a distinctive foundation — I look forward to contributing as the firm navigates growth and the opportunities that emerging technology creates.”
Noble added: “RJC has built a remarkable organization over seven decades, and I’m honoured to contribute to its next chapter. Strong governance, accountability, and strategic discipline are what allow firms like this to sustain growth and serve clients at the highest level — I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team toward that goal.”
For more information on RJC’s leadership and services, visit www.rjc.ca.
