Lisa Hutniak

Lisa is currently the Vice President and Head of Canada Communications and National Public Relations at Manulife Canada, where she leads a high-performing team of communicators across banking, insurance, and group benefits. In this role, she oversees national PR, executive visibility, reputation management, and integrated communications strategies that support the company’s mission to make decisions easier and lives better for millions of Canadians.

With over 20 years of experience, Lisa is a seasoned communications leader known for driving corporate reputation, crisis management, public affairs, and strategic PR campaigns for Fortune 500 companies and high-growth tech startups. Her expertise spans diverse sectors, including food, transportation, finance, and manufacturing, with a strong focus on highly regulated industries and tri-level government engagement across Canada.

Throughout her career, Lisa has thrived in both fast-paced, ambiguous environments and complex, established organizations. She played pivotal roles at early-stage disruptors like Uber and JUUL, helping to shape brand narratives during periods of rapid growth and intense scrutiny. She also held senior communications roles at iconic institutions such as McDonald’s and the Royal Bank of Canada, where she managed high-stakes initiatives and built trust with key stakeholders.

Outside of work, Lisa is an avid outdoor enthusiast. Alongside her husband, Joël, she enjoys biking, hiking, trail running, paddleboarding, and canoeing. The couple finds their greatest joy at their cottage in northwestern Ontario, where they unwind by the water and under the stars.