CWB Group’s Laura Blythe Named One of HRD Canada’s Elite Women for 2025

October 21, 2025 - Milton, ON - CWB Group is proud to announce that Laura Blythe, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer, has been named one of Human Resources Director (HRD) Canada’s Elite Women for 2025. This inaugural award recognizes outstanding female leaders who are shaping the future of HR through innovation, leadership and change. 

With over 25 years of progressive experience spanning insurance, healthcare, and public safety, Laura is recognized for driving innovation, organizational development, and excellence. Laura’s leadership at CWB Group has made her a trusted voice across the organization and beyond. Since joining CWB, she has led a number of transformative initiatives, including the transition to a permanent remote-first work model, and the implementation of a leadership development program for emerging leaders.

Laura’s commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and enhancing psychological safety at work has also been instrumental in CWB Group being recognized as one of Canada’s Best Places to Work (2024 and 2025) and Excellence Awardees for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as Flexible Work Strategies (2025). 

“At CWB Group, I have the privilege of leading both our HR and strategy functions, which means helping shape an environment where people can do their best work,” Laura shares. “I am honoured to receive this recognition, as it reflects the collaborative culture we’ve created at CWB – one that is grounded in trust and continual growth.”

Chris Sweeney, Managing Editor for Special Reports at HRD Canada shared his insights on the selection process, stating, “Laura Blythe is a role model for how she has impacted her organization and the broader industry. She also deserves praise for her passion and innovative mindset, which have been the building blocks of her success.”

Beyond her work at CWB Group, Laura is deeply engaged in her community, serving on the Board of Directors for Waterloo Regional Crime Stoppers and the Board of Trustees of the Kitchener Public Library.

Laura holds an MBA from Ivey Business School and an MA in Political Science from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and Project Management Professional (PMP) – credentials that underpin her ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver measurable results.

CWB Group congratulates Laura on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates the example she sets every day for current and future leaders in our organization and the broader welding and manufacturing community.

For more information about the Elite Women Awards and the special report highlighting the awardees, visit: https://www.hcamag.com/ca/best-in-hr/canadas-top-women-in-the-hr-industry-elite-women/552064.

About CWB Group:

The CWB Group is an industry-supported private sector organization providing welding certification, management systems registration and training services to over 10,000 companies in over 60 countries globally. Headquartered in Ontario, Canada, with staff and offices across the country and around the world, CWB is recognized as one of the largest and most innovative welding organizations in the world. For more information, please visit: https://www.cwbgroup.org/. 

About 2025 HRDC Elite Women:

HRD invited HR industry professionals from across Canada to nominate exceptional female role models for the inaugural Elite Women list. Nominees had to be working in a role that related to, interacted with, or in some way impacted the industry and should have demonstrated a clear passion for their work.

Nominators were asked to describe the nominee’s standout professional achievements over the past 12 months, initiatives and innovations, and contributions to the industry.

After a thorough review of all the nominations, the HRD Canada team narrowed down the list to the final 25 Elite Women who have made their mark in the industry.