Raymond McFeetors

From humble beginnings growing up in a farming community in southwestern Manitoba, Ray McFeetors has achieved international recognition as head of the largest insurance company in Canada.

McFeetors, who joined Great-West Life as a trainee in the Group Division, is a Collegiate (’65) and University of Winnipeg graduate (BA ’68). Since taking over the helm of Great-West Life in 1992, McFeetors has overseen the acquisitions of London Life in 1997 and Canada Life in 2003 as well as the expansion into the wealth management sector. He is also Honorary Colonel for the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and served as a member of the honour guard at the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005.

“Ray exemplifies home-grown success. Manitoba born, Ray studied at The University of Winnipeg and rose up through the ranks to lead the largest insurance company in Canada – headquartered in Winnipeg,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President & Vice-Chancellor of The University of Winnipeg. “And he embodies what the University is all about through his community spirit, his success and his everlasting enthusiasm for his alma mater.”

McFeetors credits his time at UWinnipeg for shaping the person he is today.

“Your university years are the best years of your life,” he says fondly. “There’s no question that the training I got at The University of Winnipeg has stayed with me – my ability to speak in public and communicate came out of my experience in Theatre and emceeing comedy shows in Convocation Hall.”