James William Burns

Background

Burns, James William was born on December 27, 1929 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Son of Charles William and Helen Gladys (Mackay) Burns.

Education

Bachelor in Commerce, U. Manitoba, 1951; Master of Business Administration, Harvard University, 1953; Doctor of Laws (honorary), Harvard University, 1988.

Career

With, Great-West Life Assurance Company, since 1953; director, Great-West Life Assurance Company, 1970; president, Chief Executive Officer, Great-West Life Assurance Company, 1971-1979; president, Power Corporation Canada, 1979-1986; deputy chairman, Power Corporation Canada, 1986; chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Power Finance Corporation, 1986-1990. Chairman, Board Of Directors Great West Life Assurance Company, Great West Lifeco, Inc., London Life Insurance Company, London Insurance Group, Inc. Board directors Power Corporation Canada, Power Finance Corporation, International Business Machines Corporation Canada Ltd., Investors Group, Inc.

Achievements

• James William Burns has been listed as a noteworthy Business executive by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Honorary chairman Manitoba Museum Man and Nature. Past chairman Conference Board Canada. Member Governor's Council, Shaw Festival.

Member St. Charles Country Club, Manitoba Club, Toronto Club, Mount-Royal Club, The Landings Club.

Connections

Married Barbara Mary Copeland. Children: James F.C., Martha J., Alan W.

Father:

Charles William Burns

Mother:

Helen Gladys (Mackay) Burns

Spouse:

Barbara Mary Copeland

child:

James F.C. Burns

child:

Alan W. Burns

child:

Martha J. Burns