Our Team

André Brin

André Brin

Chief Executive Officer

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André Brin joined WTC Winnipeg on September 7, 2021. As Chief Executive Officer, he works with the Board of Directors and the leadership team to develop plans and strategies to drive the organization’s goal of support economic growth in Manitoba, specifically through international trade.

André, 57, joined the organization as director of communications, before being named CEO on December 22nd, 2022.

He returns to Manitoba after working in Alberta for most of 1999-2021, with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and Hockey Canada, based in Calgary.

André worked over 15 years with Hockey Canada, Canada’s national sporting body, leading all corporate and hockey communications for the organization for his final five years. Over his time with Hockey Canada, he notably worked with many of Canada’s National Teams at world championships, four Olympic Winter Games and a Paralympics.

André was executive director of the Conseil Jeunesse Provincial of Manitoba from 1994-1999, and executive director of the 2005 Jeux de la francophonie canadienne in Winnipeg. He also worked as a sports journalist over ten years in Manitoba, with Radio-Canada, Envol91 FM Radio, on a part-time basis with MTN (now CITY TV) and La Liberté.

Born in Emekuku, Nigeria to Canadian parents working for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), he proudly calls Winnipeg his hometown, but also spent parts of his youth in Nigeria, Yellowknife, NWT, Sydney, NS and Algeria.

Natalie Courcelles Beaudry

Natalie Courcelles Beaudry

Director of Operations

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Natalie Courcelles Beaudry joined the World Trade Centre Winnipeg team in 2021. She works directly with André Brin and the management team as Director of Operations, supporting the client services and programming teams.

Originally from Manitoba, Natalie completed her post-secondary education in Ottawa and Winnipeg and worked in Alberta for 5 years. She brings over 20 years of public and private sector experience having worked in government, politics, health, education, finance, tourism and economic development. Natalie has dedicated over 25 years volunteering within francophone, political, educational, youth and sport organizations.

Natalie is bilingual with an intermediate level Spanish. She is a mother of three who loves gardening and outdoor adventures.

Vivian Gosselin

Vivian Gosselin

Director of Business Intelligence

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Vivian Gosselin comes to WTC Winnipeg with prior experience in economic development, having worked for various economic development agencies on the local and international level.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) from University of Manitoba, and has demonstrated strengths in planning, organization, research and analysis.

Anita Pantel-Wiebe

Anita Pantel-Wiebe

Administrative and Events Support Officer

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With over 20 years of office management, an extensive banking experience background, excellent customer service and leadership skills, Anita is driven by customer satisfaction and takes pride in providing the best customer service and administrative support possible.

Being proud of her Franco-Manitoban roots, Anita has always taken pleasure in working in various organizations in the francophone community including past positions at Caisse Financial Group and more recently at Centre culturel franco-manitobain. As the Administrative and Events Support Officer, Anita enjoys managing the administrative duties and client relations for the team at the World Trade Center Winnipeg.

Boutaina Berrado

Boutaina Berrado

Manager - Marketing and Communications

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Boutaina Berrado joined the World Trade Center Winnipeg as a Marketing and Communications Manager. She supports in developing and implementing the department’s strategy through various communication channels that the WTC uses to promote its services and products to current and potential customers and partners.

She has a master’s degree in Marketing and Business development. She has extensive experience working in marketing in an international environment across Africa and Europe. Berrado speaks English, French and Arabic.

Eric Chaput

Eric Chaput

Business Advisor

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“You don’t build a business, you build people and then people build the business” – Zig Ziglar

With us since spring of 2022 as a Business Advisor, Éric provides information and tools for client seeking to start, grow or expand their business. A recent graduate of the University of Winnipeg’s Business Administration program, Éric confirms the best part of working at World Trade Centre Winnipeg is hearing clients chasing a business opportunity. He always looks forward to helping local businesses in Manitoba.

Esmeralda Rodriguez Arias, CITP | FIBP

Esmeralda Rodriguez Arias, CITP | FIBP

Trade Advisor

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Originally from Bogota, Colombia, Esmeralda Rodriguez moved to Winnipeg in 2019 and then joined the WTC Winnipeg as a Trade Advisor. Her role is to help Manitoba businesses reach their corporate goals through obtaining strategic data, locating business opportunities, and connecting businesses with potential Canadian and international partners; as well as provide advisory services on issues such as export planning, market entry strategies and financing options.

She finished her International Business post-graduate program at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) and received her International Certification as a Trade Professional (CITP®, FIBP®). Before joining the WTC Winnipeg, Esmeralda worked for the United States Embassy in Colombia for ten years and was responsible for the transition of Immigrant Visa cases from Cuba and Venezuela to Guyana.

Esmeralda speaks Spanish, English and French.

Luthfy Es-Haq

Luthfy Es-Haq

Business Intelligence Analyst

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Mr. Es-haq works as a Business Intelligence Analyst at WTC Winnipeg. His experience in managerial/supervisory roles as well as his curiosity, enthusiasm, and wealth of knowledge in the tech space, makes him suitable for his position. He has a Bachelor of Arts – major in Economics and minor in Management – from the University of Manitoba and a Diploma in Business Administration (hons) – Financial Services from Red River College Polytechnic. He has also achieved various certifications in Web Development and Data/Business Analytics. He speaks English, Swahili, elementary level Arabic and is learning French.

Melanie Foubert

Melanie Foubert

Program Manager

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Melanie (she/her) joined the World Trade Centre Winnipeg team in November 2023 as Program Manager. She is responsible for planning and leading the organization’s projects, programs and events.

Melanie is an experienced project coordination and management professional bringing numerous years’ experience in consulting, fundraising, and administration. Her demonstrated analytical and organization skills have helped provided complex support for multi-year million-dollar projects for not-for-profits and corporate clients. Melanie has a proven ability to develop productive relationships with clients and stakeholders across all levels of an organization.

Melanie holds a degree in Conflict Resolution Studies and Criminal Justice Studies from the University of Winnipeg and a certificate in Prince2 project management.

Nicole Tierhs

Nicole Tierhs

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

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Nicole joined the World Trade Centre Winnipeg team in December of 2022 as Marketing and Communications Coordinator. In this role, Nicole performs a range of specialized and administrative duties to implement the organization’s marketing and communications strategy. With the goal to increase WTC Winnipeg’s visibility, Nicole focuses on managing the brand image and the design of marketing materials.

Nicole graduated from Red River College’s Graphic Design program and is happy to utilize her design skills in her position.

Oussama Gaizi

Oussama Gaizi

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

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Oussama Gaizi, serving as Marketing and Communications Coordinator at the World Trade Centre Winnipeg, utilizes a solid educational foundation in marketing. This includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management and Digital Marketing from the University of Winnipeg and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing and Communication from Al Akhawayn University. Oussama consistently demonstrates his ability to strategize, implement, and manage marketing initiatives from start to finish. He excels in crafting visually engaging, brand-consistent marketing materials and adeptly monitors and evaluates online campaign data to identify and capitalize on successful components. His marketing proficiency has been further refined through internships at notable companies across various industries.

Paul Carrière

Paul Carrière

Manager, Strategic Partnerships

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Paul brings a wealth of experience to the role, including over 7 years as a Senior Business Development Executive and a strong background in sales, marketing, contract negotiation, and account management. In his previous role at Western Global, Paul was responsible for building and strengthening productive industry partnerships to drive collaboration, engagement, and revenue stream development.

In his new role at WTCW, Paul will be responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with non-profit organizations and private sector businesses in Manitoba, Canada, and within the international trade network. He will work to create an efficient and sustainable partnership model that will help deliver the organization’s programs, services, and advice to Manitoba entrepreneurs. Paul will focus on building and developing partnerships that can help optimize the growth of the organization and create new revenue streams. Paul has demonstrated advanced financial and technical skills in complex customer environments throughout his career.

Paul Keefe

Paul Keefe

Business Advisor

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Paul Keefe is a Business Advisor with the WTC Winnipeg. Once working as a personal trainer and later starting his own consulting business, he’s developed an ability to foster deep relationships, help individuals create clear goals and objectives, and offer them support every step of the way to seeing their ultimate success. Paul also possesses direct business knowledge and experience from starting his own company here in Manitoba.

Passionate about small businesses and entrepreneurship, Paul is here to help you get your business started and to see you succeed. He brings a high level of positive energy, empathy, and focus to all his interactions.

Paul loves all things health and fitness, reading, live music, visiting local coffee shops, craft beer, and anything outdoors!

Tamir Maharaj

Tamir Maharaj

Trade Advisor

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Tamir joined the World Trade Centre Winnipeg in November 2023 as a Trade Advisor. His role is to facilitate connections for Manitoba Businesses with Canadian and International partners while providing high level advisory services to help them achieve their strategic corporate goals. Tamir is currently completing his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics where he is focusing on business strategies and economics. Additionally, he has completed an international exchange in the Netherlands at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, International Business Program where he gained practical experience for a year working on international business start-ups. Tamir has a passion for creative entrepreneurship and his interests are in international business strategies.

Yewande Olubowale

Yewande Olubowale

Trade Advisor

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Yewande joined World Trade Centre Winnipeg in November, 2023. She is a seasoned banking professional specializing in International Trade. With a comprehensive background in operations, customer service, trade finance, and successful project delivery, she brings a wealth of experience to this position.

Yewande holds an MBA, a certificate in Management and Administration from the University of Manitoba, and is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Her commitment to continual learning ensures she stays abreast of the latest practices and trends.

Thriving in innovative environments that foster collaborative teamwork and adaptability, Yewande aims to drive maximum value and customer satisfaction. Yewande is excited about contributing to the World Trade Centre Winnipeg, leveraging her expertise as a Trade Advisor.

Her goal is to provide businesses in Manitoba with strategic trade advice, facilitating the achievement of their corporate goals. She is enthusiastic about making a positive impact and looks forward to the challenges and successes that lie ahead.