the gn leadership team
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND GN
We are a group of people committed to working together as a strategic entity and innovatively integrating technology for manufacturing industrial leadership.
John M. Pleša
President & CEO
With over 35 years of experience in business and manufacturing, John M. Pleša brings a wealth of expertise, vision, and passion to his role as President and CEO. A second-generation leader, John has dedicated his career to advancing the legacy of his family’s company, blending time-tested principles with innovative strategies to position the organization as an industry leader.
John earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree, from the University of Calgary, where he developed a solid foundation in business, finance, and operations. His education, coupled with his hands-on approach, has enabled him to navigate the complexities of the modern manufacturing world while staying true to the company’s values of integrity, quality, and customer focus.
Throughout his tenure, John has been instrumental in driving growth, fostering a culture of collaboration, and championing the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. He believes in building lasting relationships—with clients, employees, and partners—as the cornerstone of sustainable success. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its reach, consistently delivering innovative solutions that exceed industry standards.
Beyond the boardroom, John’s enthusiasm for problem-solving and big-picture thinking is matched by his approachable and lighthearted demeanor. Whether he’s mentoring up-and-coming leaders, sharing a laugh with his team, or discussing the latest trends in business, John’s energy is contagious.
A firm believer in the importance of a healthy lifestyle, John is known for his love of adventure and storytelling. Whether he’s traveling to explore new cultures, enjoying time with his family, or following his favorite sport teams, he’s always finding inspiration to bring back to his work.
John’s philosophy is simple: lead with purpose, innovate with passion, and always remember the people who make it all possible. His dedication to excellence and his ability to inspire others continue to drive the company forward, ensuring a bright future for the next generation of leaders and clients alike.
James Elliott
Chief Financial Officer
James Elliott serves as the Chief Financial Officer at GN, where he applies his extensive financial expertise and strategic insight to drive the company’s growth and operational excellence. With a strong background in public and private sectors, James brings a deep understanding of financial strategy and manufacturing dynamics to GN’s leadership team.
James holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta and is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA). This strong educational foundation complements his hands-on experience addressing complex manufacturing and financial challenges. At GN, James has been instrumental in enhancing the company’s financial processes and risk management frameworks. His ability to develop robust business strategies and performance metrics ensures the company remains competitive in a fast-evolving industry. James’s contributions extend to optimizing GN’s financial planning, reporting, and strategic initiatives, aligning them with the company’s long-term goals.
James is recognized for his collaborative leadership style, fostering innovation and teamwork across departments. His practical approach to problem-solving, combined with his commitment to continuous improvement, supports GN’s mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions to its clients.
Beyond his professional role, James is a devoted family man who enjoys spending quality time with his loved ones. An avid skier, he finds joy in hitting the slopes during the winter months. James also enjoys reading and working on cars, hobbies that reflect his curiosity and hands-on nature.
With his wealth of experience, strong educational background, and passion for excellence, James Elliott is dedicated to helping GN achieve its vision and solidify its position as a leader in the manufacturing industry.
Chris King
Chief Technical Advisor
Chris King brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to GN Corporations Inc. as Chief Technical Advisor, leveraging over four decades of experience in engineering, program management, and defense manufacturing. With a distinguished career spanning military service and industry leadership, Chris is instrumental in guiding GN’s technical strategy to deliver innovative, high-precision solutions to our clients.
Chris graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, laying a strong foundation in technical problem-solving and infrastructure design. He further honed his skills at the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, deepening his engineering expertise, and completed advanced strategic training at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, equipping him with a keen understanding of industrial and defense operations.
A retired Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Chris served as Material Wing Director for 25 years, overseeing complex program management initiatives critical to national defense. His leadership ensured the seamless execution of high-stakes projects, earning him a reputation for operational excellence. Following his military career, Chris joined Raytheon Missiles and Defense, where he has served as a Director for over 21 years. In this role, he has driven advancements in missile and defense systems, blending manufacturing knowledge with strategic oversight to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Leveraging his extensive expertise in the defense sector, Chris combines polished interpersonal skills and diplomatic finesse with foreign nations to forge impactful global alliances. His keen problem-solving capabilities, adept negotiation prowess, and thorough understanding of manufacturing ensure GN stays ahead of the curve and responsive to client demands.
Beyond his professional achievements, Chris is deeply devoted to family and politics. He cherishes moments with those closest to him, relishes outdoor adventures and travel, and remains actively involved in the political sphere—demonstrating a steadfast dedication to leadership that extends from his career into his personal life and community.
At GN Corporations Inc., Chris King’s technical vision and seasoned leadership strengthen our mission to provide scalable, sustainable manufacturing solutions that empower our customers’ success in the global marketplace.
OUR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Nicholas J. Pleša
Nicholas J. Pleša brings a dynamic blend of academic excellence and practical experience to his role as Director of Business Development, focusing on the Energy and Technology industries. With over eight years of expertise in business and manufacturing, Nicholas has played a pivotal role in driving strategic growth and fostering innovation within these critical sectors.
Matthew A. Pleša
Matthew A. Pleša serves as the Director of Business Development for the Energy and Automotive sector, where he leverages his strategic acumen and passion for innovation to drive sustainable growth. With a career built on fostering strong partnerships and identifying new market opportunities, Matthew is dedicated to ensuring the company’s continued success in these rapidly evolving sectors.
Peter M. Pleša
Peter M. Pleša serves as the Director of Business Development for Aerospace and Defense, bringing a strategic mindset and a results-driven approach to his role. With a strong academic foundation and extensive experience in building lasting partnerships, Peter is dedicated to advancing the company’s position in these highly competitive industries.
GENERATIONAL PARTNERSHIP
Since day one, GN has formed close working relationships that have persisted through generations. These represent some of our closest and most valued clients, and we look forward to seeing how our relationship with them will continue to evolve in the future.
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