Executive Team
WSI owes its current and continued success to its customers and Consultants. The WSI Executive team is dedicated to helping customers and Internet Consultants grow their businesses through leading edge, innovative and profitable Internet Solutions. WSI employees deliver on this promise every day by working with 1500 plus Consultants and thousands of customers and partners in 87 countries to create and promote engaging websites and profitable Internet marketing solutions.
Ron McArthur, President
Having joined the company in 2004, Ron McArthur continues to focus WSI efforts on the growth and profitability of our customers, Consultants and partners within the WSI e-Marketplace. Ably positioned at the helm, Ron has built a team that embraces the concept of strong relationships in all their interactions within our global community. With his long standing experience in the franchise industry and unrelenting focus on providing superior customer service, Ron leads the WSI team towards realizing the company’s vision - to be the world's leading provider of Internet solutions to the small and medium size business (SMB) market.
A Chartered Accountant by profession, Ron’s previous assignments include being President of Hudson’s Bay Wholesale (a division of the Hudson’s Bay Company). Ron was also President of Van Houtte’s largest Office Coffee division and Executive Vice President of their corporation’s Mergers and Acquisitions department.
Valerie Brown-Dufour, VP Business Strategy and Innovation
As Vice President of Business Strategy and Innovation, Valerie leverages the collective intelligence of the WSI network to lead the company through strategic projects that enhance the value of the WSI offering. Focusing on growth opportunities for the expanding network of Internet Consultants, she plays a pivotal role in the implementation of key initiatives such as WSI’s Oracle-based enterprise business system. Drawing from her comprehensive understanding of international franchising, Valerie drives innovation and value to enrich and make unique the WSI experience for all audiences.
Maribel Guiste, VP Franchise Operations
Maribel Guiste, a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) leads WSI Franchise Operations in her role as Vice President and is WSI’s liaison to the International Franchise Association (IFA) and Canadian Franchise Association (CFA). In managing the day-to-day operations of the Franchise Training and Support team, her responsibilities include ensuring that WSI Consultants and their clients enjoy the highest level of service and support from WSI headquarters. Maribel has an educational foundation in training and psychological development and has been a successful entrepreneur herself. With this background she brings ongoing value to the WSI system providing leadership in customer service excellence. As a member of the WSI team for close to a decade, Maribel remains committed to help deliver the most complete and progressive training, tools and support programs enabling WSI Consultants to grow their businesses profitably and serve their clients better.
Mark Dobson, VP Franchise Development
Mark Dobson, our VP Franchise Development has been with WSI since its inception in 1995. Mark has an extensive background in the development of human potential and the understanding of behavioral patterns. He was instrumental in developing the unique franchisee screening and selection process utilized by WSI. Mark also brings his many years of franchising experience to the WSI network ensuring only the highest quality of franchise applicants are awarded the WSI franchise. Using his prior experience as an entrepreneur, Mark has a very good understanding of WSI applicants’ needs and desires to own a business within a proven franchise system.
Kishor Vyas, Controller
In his position as Controller, Kishor’s mandate is to manage the fiscal responsibility of the Company and ensure due diligence of financial best practices company-wide. Kishor performs a strategic role on the WSI Management team to help plan, provide and mobilize appropriate resources required by WSI Consultants and partners within the e-Marketplace. Kishor is focused on driving significant process improvements to help WSI receive the maximum return on resources deployed. In addition to utilizing his skills for financial matters, Kishor leverages his experience to facilitate strategic decision making and consistent direction that drives additional sustainable profitability for the entire WSI network.