SaskTel Names Charlene Gavel as President and CEO

SaskTel Board of Directors appointed Charlene Gavel as President and CEO, effective immediately. Ms. Gavel will take over the lead role, after an extensive and open search process, from Doug Burnett, who announced his retirement in February 2023.

Gavel has been the Chief Financial Officer for SaskTel for 9 years, and the SaskTel Board is confident she has the in-depth industry, financial, and business knowledge to take on the leadership role. Ms. Gavel is well respected within the company and with her extensive experience in developing effective and innovative strategic plans is well positioned to lead the company in a highly competitive communications industry.

Prior to becoming SaskTel Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Gavel was the Chief Financial Officer at SaskTel International and held positions with the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Financial Services, and at Information Services Corporation (ISC) as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance and Administration.

Ms. Gavel earned a Bachelor of Administration (BAdmin) degree from the University of Regina and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA). She has also achieved the Institute of Corporate Directors designation (ICD.D.) in 2018 and she currently serves on the boards of SaskTel International, the Public Employees Pension Plan (PEPP), the Conexus Arts Centre, and the Hospitals of Regina Foundation.

SaskTel Board Chair Grant Kook thanked outgoing President and CEO, Doug Burnett, for his leadership during his tenure with SaskTel over the past 30 years.

"Doug Burnett has been instrumental in leading SaskTel through major infrastructure projects, including the 5G Network Modernization Program, Wireless Saskatchewan, and the ongoing Rural Fibre Initiative," said Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel. "I’m pleased to welcome Charlene Gavel to her new role as CEO. Her extensive knowledge and experience with SaskTel will be a significant asset as the company continues investing in communities across Saskatchewan."