Our Leadership | NFI Group

Paul Soubry joined NFI as President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2009, leading the company through a series of transformations and acquisitions that have led to NFI’s current leadership position across the majority of its bus and motor coach markets. Today, NFI has approximately 7,500 people across nine countries and is leading the evolution to global zero-emission mobility or what the company calls the ZEvolution^TM.

Paul has a sales, marketing, business development and operations background in businesses held by trade, private equity and public owners, with substantial experience in business transformations and LEAN operational practices. Prior to joining NFI, Paul worked for StandardAero (one of the world’s largest independent aerospace maintenance companies) for 24 years, where he held a variety of increasingly senior positions; he was named President in 2001, Chief Operating Officer in 2006, and Chief Executive Officer in 2007.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba and attended the Executive Development program at Harvard Business School. Paul is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) and a graduate of the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program (ICD.D). Paul currently sits on the Board of Directors of NFI Group, The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club/True North Sports and Entertainment and The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company. He was also the Chair of the University of Manitoba’s Front and Center capital campaign, which raised CDN $626 million.

Paul was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 in 2003, inducted into the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Hall of Fame in 2014, received the Chartered Professional in Human Resources Patron of the Year Award in 2016, recognized as Canada’s CEO of the Year by the Financial Post in 2016, awarded the University of Manitoba’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award, awarded the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education Distinguished Service Award in 2020, and awarded an Honourary Doctor of Laws from the from the University of Manitoba in 2022.

Pipasu joined NFI in 2019 and brings nearly 20 years of international business and financial management experience in manufacturing companies, having lived and worked in the United States, the UK, and Mexico. Most recently, Pipasu served as an Officer of United States Steel Corporation in a variety of financial leadership roles including Vice President, Performance Management & Analytics, Vice President, Finance, and Interim CFO. Prior to that, Pipasu held wide-ranging financial and strategy leadership roles in financial planning and analysis, global and divisional finance, business transformation, plant controllership, strategic planning, and corporate development at Pentair and Honeywell International. He began his career at Ingersoll-Rand in manufacturing and design engineering roles.

Pipasu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University, a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University, and a Master of Business Administration, with a finance concentration, from Cornell University. He is also a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) with the Institute of Management Accountants.

Janice has been with NFI Group for 20 years and is currently serving as Executive Vice President, People and Culture. She is responsible for leading the people services function at NFI Group in a multi-location and diverse multi-national manufacturing, parts distribution, and service environment. Janice has worked in progressive human resource and management roles in the public and private sector with a proven track record in employee/labour relations, workplace culture enhancement, employee and organizational development, and safety/environmental systems management.

Janice holds a BA in Communication and Certificate in Human Resources Management from the University of Winnipeg and Diploma in Creative Communications from Red River College. She holds the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation, SHRM Senior Certified Professional certification (SHRM-SCP) and Human Resources Compensation Committee designation from the Director’s College at McMaster University (HRCCC). She currently serves as Board Chair for the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Manitoba.

David began his NFI Group career in 1998 as Corporate Controller, and in 2002 moved from Finance into the role of VP of Supply Management, where he led a multi-year transformation to a world-class, lean supply chain organization. Since 2016, David has been responsible for the leadership and coordination of the Supply Chain organizations across all NFI business units.

Prior to NFI, David worked for eight years with Deloitte as a Chartered Accountant. David holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Finance from the University of Manitoba, and obtained his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 1993.

Chris joined NFI Group Inc. (“NFI”) in 2007 and is responsible for driving growth and performance, operational excellence, and innovation of zero-emission mobility for the New Flyer transit bus and MCI motor coach business. As President, he oversees core functions of sales and marketing, supply management, materials, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customer care while maintaining focus on safety, working capital management, cost performance, and resource management. Prior to this role, Chris served as New Flyer’s Senior Vice President, Engineering and Customer Service, overseeing new product development, production engineering, sustainable transportation, and customer service.

Prior to New Flyer, Chris was Vice-President of Engineering at National Steel Car in the freight rail industry and spent nine years with General Motors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) specializing in Automotive Engineering Design from Kettering University, and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Chris is a board member for CALSTART, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth of clean transportation technologies, and is an accredited Professional Engineer.

With over 25 years in the bus and rail industries, Paul joined Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) in 1997 and has advanced through key roles spanning the full breadth of the operation. In 2000, he relocated to Hong Kong and led ADL in the Asia Pacific market for over 20 years, overseeing execution of commercial and operational strategy, and driving long term growth. Paul is an expert in developing new customers, emerging markets, products, and technologies, including the creation of ADL’s regional aftermarket function and most recently, its supporting infrastructure service. In his current role based in Scotland, Paul leads ADL’s delivery of products, support, and innovation to grow the company’s global leadership in the double deck and lightweight single deck sectors, while maintaining a steadfast focus on safety, quality, cost performance, and working capital and resource management.

Brian joined NFI Group in 2013 and is the President of NFI Parts and ARBOC Specialty Vehicles. He is responsible for aftermarket sales and business development, business systems, publications, training, warranty, smart bus technology and aftermarket supply chain and distribution.

Brian was previously the CFO of North American Bus Industries (NABI) which was acquired by New Flyer in 2013. Prior to that Brian served as Controller of Johns Manville’s Waterville operations — a Berkshire Hathaway Company, and held various finance capacities at Ford Motor Company and Visteon Corporation. Brian has an MBA in Finance, a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.