Ranked among the top 100 Women Business Owners in Canada by PROFIT and Chatelaine
magazines every year from 2001 to 2007, Becky McKinnon is one of Canada’s most well
recognized female entrepreneurs and executives.
Since the company’s establishment in 1975 to 2008, Becky McKinnon was an essential part of
Timothy’s Coffees of the World Inc. As a partner to founder Timothy Snelgrove, she played an
integral role in all aspects of the company’s development and success. In 1985, the McKinnon
family bought control of the company, and Ms. McKinnon was named President. In 2004, she
became Executive Chairman. In 2008, the McKinnon family and other shareholders sold the
company to an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners.
The company operates a total of 165 retail stores across Canada under the Timothy’s World
Coffee, Mmmarvelous Mmmuffins and Michel’s Baguette Banners. In addition, the company
operates a coffee roasting plant and bakery commissary to guarantee the superior quality and
freshness of all of the coffee and bakery products served in the retail stores and by co-
branded partners.
Becky's Profile
A native of Philadelphia, Ms. McKinnon received a Bachelor of Arts from Wellesley College
in 1968, and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto in 1970. She currently lives
in Toronto with her husband Ian, who became President of the company in 2004. The
McKinnons have 3 grown children.
Becky and Timothy’s have been recipients of several prestigious awards. In 2007, Ms
McKinnon received an award for Outstanding Contribution from the Specialty Coffee Association
of America. Timothy’s received SCAA’s Sustainability Award in 2005 and again in 2006 for its
innovative partnerships with coffee growers. In 2004, the Consumers’ Choice Institute
recognized Ms. McKinnon as Businesswoman of the Year for Toronto. She was also recognized
in 2003, 2004 and 2005 by the Women’s Executive Network and the Ivey School of Business at
the University of Western Ontario as one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women. In 2001 and
2005, she was a finalist for Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2000, the New York chapter
of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) named Ms. McKinnon “North
American Woman Business Owner of the Year” and in 1999, the Ontario Hostelry Institute
selected her as “Foodservice Chain Operator of the Year”.
She has been an active participant on boards and with charities, some of which include:
Toronto Board of Trade, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto General & Western Hospital
Foundation, Shaw Festival, Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association, Specialty Coffee
Association of America
Topic Categories
Executive Insights
Business - Strategy
Marketing, Branding
Presentation Titles
Some of Becky’s presentation topics include:
Corporate social responsibility and sustainability
Small business financing, franchising
Growing your business (often tailored to a particular audience)
The Timothy’s Story
Audience Testimonials
Coming Soon
In Her Own Words
Coming Soon
Audio / Video Recordings
Video/Audio not currently available. Please inquire.
Video/Audio not currently available. Please inquire.