Dane Creek Capital Corp. Announces the Appointments of Martha Durdin to its Board of Directors and MacKenzie Keillor as President of Dockside Investco.

Dane Creek Capital Corp. Announces the Appointments of Martha Durdin to its Board of Directors and MacKenzie Keillor as President of Dockside Investco.

Appointments provide further affirmation of the Corporation’s commitment to supporting women in business and to making Nova Scotia a major hub for the pet industry.


May 4, 2020 – Mississauga Ontario. Mark Warren, Chairman & CEO of Dane Creek Capital Corp. (‘DCCC’ or the ‘Corporation’) is pleased to announce the following appointments:

Martha Durdin has been appointed to the Corporation’s board of directors. Ms. Durdin is currently the President & CEO of the Canadian Credit Union Association, the national trade association for credit unions in Canada. Her career has spanned over three decades in senior roles in finance, business, and government. Previous roles include Managing Director of Marketing, Communications and Client Strategy at BMO Capital Markets; Managing Director at Navigator Limited; and Policy Advisor for the Status of Women Canada. 

Ms. Durdin joins Mr. Stephen Down as the two independent directors on the DCCC board. Mr. Warren and Mr. Glen Tennison, President & CFO of DCCC, make up the remainder of the Corporation’s board. Ms. Durdin will provide the board and management of DCCC considerable assistance in the areas of corporate communications, government relations, media strategy and advancing the role of women in the pet industry. She holds a B.A. (Hons) in Political Science from Western University, an MSc. in Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and an ICD.D from the Rotman School of Management.

Ms. Durdin and her husband, Tony, split their time between homes in Toronto and Fergus, Ontario. They have two adult children and enjoy the companionship of a cat, Leo.

MacKenzie Keillor has been appointed President of Dockside Investco., a wholly-owned subsidiary of DCCC dedicated to investing in Nova Scotia-based businesses.  Ms. Keillor will also continue in her current role as DCCC’s VP, M&A, Strategy & Shareholder Relations.  Ms. Keillor has spearheaded the Corporation’s initiatives in the area of support for women in the pet industry, where DCCC is the industry leader in Canada. To date, over 50% of the Corporation’s deployed capital has been invested in businesses founded, co-founded and/or run by women. Ms. Keillor joined DCCC in November, 2017 and holds a B.Mgmt. from Dalhousie University. Ms. Keillor splits her time between Halifax and Chester, Nova Scotia and enjoys the companionship of her adopted dog, Bowie.

Through Dockside Investco., DCCC has invested in Midgard Insect Farm Inc., a business devoted to the research and development of insect proteins for both the pet and agriculture industries; and Dockside Pet Products & Services Inc., a business focused on using Nova Scotian  ‘rescued fresh food’ to develop sustainable, nutritious and great tasting pet food, supplements and treats. DCCC plans to make further investments in Nova Scotia over the next 12 months.

“I am delighted to be announcing both of these appointments”, said Mr. Warren. “I have had the pleasure of knowing Martha for several years and have benefitted many times from her wise counsel. Her extensive experience in both the private and public sector  will be a great asset to DCCC as we look to develop and implement the next phase of our strategy.”

“MacKenzie is a rising star within DCCC and demonstrated great ability to meet each and every challenge presented. The broadening of her role will allow us to further coordinate our overall strategy to pursue opportunities we know exist in Atlantic Canada and specifically the province of Nova Scotia.”

About Dane Creek Capital Corp.

Dane Creek Capital Corp. is a privately held Canadian merchant banking venture dedicated to the pet industry. With over 30 years of experience in the pet industry and an extensive network of industry professionals, we offer valuable financial and management support to up-and-coming companies in the companion animal sector through selective, strategic investments. Our investment horizon is long-term taking into account current trends and changes in pet owner demographics with a current focus on opportunities in sustainable and raw pet food products, pet supplements and nutraceuticals, alternative models for veterinary care, pet insurance and biotechnology.

For more information visit www.danecreekcap.com.

Contacts

Mark Warren
Chairman & CEO
Dane Creek Capital Corp.

emw@danecreekcap.com

m: 905.875.6218

 
MacKenzie Keillor
VP, M&A, Strategy & Shareholder Relations
Dane Creek Capital Corp.
m: 902.880.1550

 
 

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The Pethealth Story

DCCC Chairman & CEO Mark Warren is the founder and former President & CEO of Pethealth Inc. which he formed in 1998. Under his leadership, Pethealth became the leading aggregator of new pet and pet owner data, the largest provider of cloud-based software to the companion animal industry, one of the largest providers of pet insurance in the US, UK & Canada and the world’s largest provider of companion animal microchip technology.

Pethealth was acquired by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (‘Fairfax’) in November, 2014 for all cash consideration of C$100M representing 2.1x twelve months trailing revenue, 19.6x twelve months trailing EBITDA and a 69% premium to the common share price.

So Why us?

We are entrepreneurs ourselves. We understand the challenges you face and have hands on experience turning good ideas into profitable ventures.

We know the pet industry and we’ll lend our strategic insights to the advancement of your business, whether you’re looking to sell or seeking investment.
Our review process is fast. We personally select each investment and work with our small board of directors and investment committee groups to make quick decisions.
Once approved, you’ll have sale proceeds or investment funds in hand in 60-90 days. 
We provide back office management support so you can focus on what matters most, whether that’s moving onto your next venture or growing your business in partnership with us.

Get in Touch

Phone: +1 (905) 291-0103
Fax: +1 (905) 296-1165

Mark Warren

COFOUNDER,
CHAIRMAN & CEO

Glen Tennison

COFOUNDER,
PRESIDENT & CFO