Meet our Team
With a private sector led Board of Directors, NSBI is driven by a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to working towards a strong, thriving and globally competitive Nova Scotia.
Contact our team to explore how NSBI can help you find your export or investment solution for your business.
Executive Team
Laurel C. Broten
President & Chief Executive Officer
As President and CEO of Nova Scotia Business Inc., Laurel Broten is responsible for providing overall strategic direction for the crown corporation. Working with a private sector led Board of Directors, Laurel is focused on transformative strategies that implement evidence-based decision-making to lead the business development agency for the province.
As a former Bay street lawyer, Ontario Cabinet Minister, public policy expert and advocate, Laurel has a proven ability to build strategic alliances and partnerships between business, government and communities.
She earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree from McMaster University, followed by a juris doctorate from the University of Western Ontario. Upon graduation, Laurel was selected as a law clerk to Madam Justice Claire L'Heureux-Dubé at the Supreme Court of Canada.
When she’s not trying to grow the Nova Scotia economy, Laurel enjoys keeping up with her twin boys Zachary and Ryan, and spending time with her husband Paul and their entire family at the cottage.
Peter MacAskill
Chief Operating Officer
Peter MacAskill is the Chief Operating Officer at Nova Scotia Business Inc. responsible for Business Financing, Regional Business Development, Investment Attraction and Export Development. Peter joined NSBI in 2002, with responsibility for implementing a compliance and risk management program. Prior to this, he spent eight years with TD Waterhouse in Toronto where he managed departments responsible for contract, clearing and mutual fund services for the brokerage lines of TD Bank.
Peter is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University with a Science degree in Mathematics. He is a member of the Board and Executive Committee for Symphony Nova Scotia and chairs its Finance Committee. He volunteers with Fusion Halifax as a mentor and with Junior Achievement who inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Peter lives in Halifax with his wife Nicole and their four children Noah, Liam, Erin and Emma.
Michael Branchflower
Vice President, Sales and Strategic Marketing
Michael Branchflower is Vice President, Sales and Strategic Marketing at Nova Scotia Business Inc. Michael oversees the strategic direction and investment initiatives of our Investment Attraction, Marketing and Research teams. Michael also provides insight into transformation and innovation — both areas of key focus at NSBI.
Michael has more than 25 years of international experience throughout Europe and North America, joining us from Colorado-based Execution Specialists Group (ESG), a management consulting firm where he was Vice President of Corporate Development. Throughout his career, he has built and maintained world-class relationships globally and leveraged these networks for mutually beneficial success.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Michael spent 12 years in Connecticut before relocating to Nova Scotia. He is a Board Member for Embrace Hope - Sandy Hook Equine Assisted Therapy, an organization working with children affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. Michael lives in Halifax with his wife, Carol, and two of their four children.
Business Lines
Regional Business Development
Todd Coombs, Director
Strategy, Research & Marketing
Beth Girard, Director
Communications & Public Affairs
Shawn Hirtle, Director
Corporate Services & Compliance
Glenda Lindsay, Director
Investment Attraction
John Ludovice, Director
Business Financing
Mike Queripel, Director
Corporate Projects & Partnerships
Angela Ralph, Director
Export Development
Kyle Schmeisser, Director
