Premier Roy Romanow today announced some changes in the senior management of two Crown corporations.

Effective March 1, Nigel Howard has been appointed President of the Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation. Prior to this appointment, Howard held several senior management positions at Crown Life from 1984 to 1999, including Vice President of Corporate Development, Vice President of Real Estate for North America and the Caribbean.

"Mr. Howard brings a wealth of experience to his new position gained through his twenty years in the corporate and commercial finance sector," Romanow said. "His impressive background in finance and real estate development will be an important asset as he takes over the leadership of this Crown corporation."

The premier also announced that Zach Douglas will now head the Investment Division of the Crown Investments Corporation. Douglas will oversee the growth and development of CIC's existing investment portfolio.

"Over the past five years, Mr. Douglas has led the development of SOCO into a well-regarded Crown corporation that provides strategic investment in businesses as well as research park infrastructure in support of the government's economic development priorities. I look forward to an equally valuable contribution in his new position."

Michael Fix, who has been Acting Vice-President of Investments for CIC, will move to the newly created position of Vice-President of Corporate Development.

"Mr. Fix has an extensive record in strategic investment and investment management," Romanow said. "His experience will serve us well in developing new investment opportunities for CIC."

Irene Rau
Director, Corporate Affairs
Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation
Phone: (306) 787-8576
E-mail: irene.rau@soc.sk.ca

Karen Schmidt
A/Executive Director, Communications
Crown Investments Corporation
Phone: (306) 787-5889