Page 36 - INSIGHT MAGAZINE_Neat

MEMBER PROFILE

With more than 20 years of
extensive work experience in
the energy sector, you may
think becoming President
and CEO of a large utility like
GrandBridge Energy Inc. was
something Sarah Hughes
always had at the top of her
career list.
This, however, wasn’t the case until the
last few years.
“It’s only been in the last three to

five years that I even thought this
could be possible,” she says, taking
a moment to chat in her bright and
airy office at the company’s corporate

headquarters located in a refurbished
and historic former foundry on Glebe
Street in Cambridge. “I’ve had such
good people around me saying ‘yes,
it’s possible’. I also realized it was an
opportunity for me to not only lead the
organization but also to build the next
generation of trailblazers. This industry
is transforming and will need change
agents, and I have a history of being a
change agent.”
Sarah’s career path is a testament to
this fact. The Hamilton native obtained
her Master of Accounting degree and
Honours of Bachelor of Arts degree
from the University of Waterloo.
“When I was in Grade 10, I thought about
being an accountant and remember
the day I received my CA designation
and I thought ‘now what?’,” she laughs.
"Don’t wait for it to come to you"

- Sarah Hughes, GrandBridge Energy Inc. President and CEO

Her journey began as a Staff Accountant
with Ernst & Young in Toronto. Soon
after, an evening out with friends,
during a weekend trip home to visit
family, would provide that answer.
One of her friends brought along her
brother, Brad. He and Sarah hit it off
and were married within nine months
and remain happily together 32 years
later.

36 Winter 2024 www.cambridgechamber.com