Business leader Christina Gold will be awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony on Thursday, June 11, “in recognition of the trail-blazing accomplishments of a woman in business and the strong leadership exemplified by the successful turnarounds of major corporations in a global environment.”
Christina Gold’s leadership and service in the business world distinguishes her as one of the most powerful women in industry. As president and chief executive officer for the Western Union Company, she is responsible for the financial and overall operational performance of the multibillion-dollar business, which is a worldwide leader in money transfer, bill payment and prepaid services.
Prior to joining First Data Corporation (the former parent company of Western Union) in May 2002, Ms. Gold was president and chief executive officer of Excel Communications, a telecommunications and e-commerce services provider. She also had a distinguished career with Avon where she served as president, Avon North America, and was credited with a significant turnaround of the cosmetic brand’s U.S. business.
Ms. Gold is a member of the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy. In 2003, 2006 and 2008, Fortune magazine recognized Ms. Gold as one of America’s 50 Most Powerful Women in Business and she was named one of Forbes magazine’s “100 Most Powerful Women” in 2007 and 2008. Ms. Gold is a graduate of Carleton University.