Success Stories: Collaborative Projects Bridging Innovation Competences Between Sweden and Canada

Thursday October 8, 2026 09:45 - 10:30 Auditorium (W280)

Presenters: Alex Willows, Cara Salci, Shawn Samuels, Tanya Bevington

Hear directly from companies about exciting current and upcoming projects, initiatives and partnerships that showcase the successful collaborations between Canada and Sweden.

Lecturers

Alex Willows Presenter

Business Line Manager - Loaders and Trucks - Canada
Sandvik Mining Canada

Alex Willows is a mining industry professional with 19 years of experience at Sandvik Mining, where he has built a diverse career spanning engineering, product sales support, and business line development. Throughout his tenure, he has collaborated closely with customers, colleagues, and industry partners to advance underground mining technologies and improve operational performance.

In recent years, Alex has played an active role in initiatives supporting the adoption of battery-electric equipment and the decarbonization of underground mining operations across Canada. He is passionate about developing practical, sustainable solutions that help drive innovation and efficiency within the mining sector. Alex holds a Mechanical Engineering Degree from the University of Waterloo.

Cara Salci Presenter

President
Saab Canada, Inc.

Cara Salci is President of Saab Canada, with more than a decade of executive leadership experience in Canada’s defence and security sector. A recognized leader in defence, security, and innovation, Cara has been named one of Canadian Defence Review’s Top Aerospace & Defence Professionals Under 40 and serves on the boards of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada. She has served on Canada’s Defence Industry Advisory Group and holds an Honours BSc in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph and an MBA from Queen’s University and Cornell University.

Shawn Samuels Presenter

Regional Business Manager (NASA Region) Epiroc Electrification Solutions
Epiroc

Shawn Samuels has been a valued member of Epiroc Canada’s Parts & Service Division for over 17 years. Starting his career as a Service Shop Manager, Shawn eventually moved into a Product Sales Manager Contracts role and then transitioned to Service Operations Manager.

As electrification and battery technology continues to advance, Shawn utilizes his knowledge and experience to support customers as they transform their operations to zero emissions. In his previous position as Product Manager Rocvolt Canada, Shawn played an important role in developing Epiroc’s BEV portfolio and supporting battery electric implementation on site. With his impressive resume, Shawn was selected to become Business Line Manager, Rocvolt Canada and eventually transitioned into a role as Business Line Manager Epiroc Electrification Solutions Canada, Acting Global Business Manager Epiroc Electrification Solutions. From there, he moved to become Regional Business Manager, NASA Region for Epiroc Electrification Solutions and General Manager of Meglab, where he assists customers as they set up the necessary infrastructure to support electrified operations.

With Shawn taking on these leadership roles, Epiroc in Canada, and globally, has celebrated numerous milestones in battery technology advancements and service deals that ultimately benefit productivity for customers.

Tanya Bevington Presenter

Head of Communications
IKEA Canada Limited Partnership

Tanya Bevington is Head of Communications for IKEA Canada, a world’s leading home furnishing retailer. For 50 years, Canadians have welcomed IKEA into their homes, and they have been strong supporters of the IKEA brand, product range and its vision “to create a better everyday life for the many people”. Tanya joined IKEA in 2014 and is responsible for overseeing corporate communications, public relations, employee communications and public affairs for IKEA in Canada. Tanya is also a member of the Canadian management team for IKEA.

Prior to joining IKEA, Tanya spent ten years working in communications and marketing for Waterfront Toronto, the tri-government agency responsible for overseeing the renewal of Toronto’s waterfront.

Working in the communications field for more than twenty years, Tanya is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in corporate communications, media and government relations, brand positioning, internal communications, strategic planning and issues management.

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