Leadership team - UK

Surpassing our customers' expectations is a fundamental priority for Shred-it's leadership team. Our people drive our success with the integrity, commitment, expertise and enthusiasm they bring to their roles everyday. Our senior leaders foster a culture of teamwork, innovation and a shared energy that guides and inspires.

Robert Guice
Executive Vice President, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Robert joined Shred-it in 2004. Robert is responsible for overseeing Shred-it's sales, services and operations in the European and Middle Eastern markets, which includes 30 branches in six European countries and two branches in the Middle East and Africa region.

Robert has expertise in sales, sales management and business management. Prior to joining Shred-it, Robert served as Sales and Marketing Director for the UK branch of an international records and information management company. He has also held management positions in the United Kingdom and internationally in the telecommunications, and IT industries. Robert has managed global accounts and led multi-discipline teams in his previous roles.

Richard Simpson
Vice President

Richard has more than nine years experience at Shred-it, having joined the company in 2002, as General Manager of the Manchester branch. In this position, which he held for over three years, Richard grew the Manchester business to generate a turnover of £2.2m in 2005, making it the first Shred-it branch outside of North America to bring in more than £1m and £2m in revenue in one year.

In his current role of Vice President of UK, Richard is responsible for overseeing customer service and operations, field sales and the National Account Team for Shred-it UK, ensuring that all teams are equipped to meet customers’ needs to the highest standards.

Neil Percy
VP Market Development and Integration EMEA

Neil joined Shred-it in 2006 as General Manager of Shred-it Manchester, the company’s largest European branch operation. During his three years in the role, he achieved record client growth with a fleet of Shred-it trucks covering the North West and South Yorkshire regions, winning numerous internal awards for the branch and growing turnover from £2.7m in 2006 to £4.3m in 2008.

In 2009, Neil was appointed VP Customer Service and Operations UK, overseeing the customer service and operations for Shred-it in the UK. Responsible for delivering world-class services to Shred-it’s UK customers, whilst ensuring the highest levels of security and compliance standards throughout.

In 2011 Neil was appointed to his current role which involves the strategic management, development and integration of Shred-it EMEA acquired business and corporate investment in both new and existing markets.

Head Office Executive Team - (Oakville, Canada)

Vincent R. De Palma
President and Chief Executive Officer

Vince joined Shred-it in August 2009, bringing over 25 years of executive experience to the company. He became well acquainted with business to business services in his past roles as President of Pitney Bowes Management Services, and as President of Automatic Data Processing (ADP) Benefit Services. Vince has also held senior management positions at Petroleum Heat & Power Company and McKinsey & Company.

Vince currently sits on the board of directors of the Thomas Hartman Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Lafayette College and his Masters of Business Administration in Finance from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Brenda Frank
General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Human Resources & Franchise Relations

Brenda joined Shred-it in February 2010. Brenda is an accomplished senior executive and attorney with a proven track record of business success in HR and legal environments. As General Counsel, she will provide corporate governance and legal service for all company initiatives, as well as acting as Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors. In addition, Brenda is accountable for setting the strategic direction for all Human Resources functions, as well as being responsible for Shred-it’s Franchise System. Prior to joining Shred-it, Brenda held numerous executive and legal roles in various North American and global organizations, including: ITOCHU International Inc., Pitney Bowes Inc., 2Bridge Software, and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Brenda is originally from New York, and is married with 3 children.

Gary Gonsalves
Executive Vice President Sales, North America

Gary joined Shred-it in January 2011. Gary is a driven executive leader with over twenty years of experience in helping organizations achieve superior top and bottom line results. In his role, Gary is responsible for leading the North American sales organization, driving double-digit growth and customer satisfaction.

Prior to joining Shred-it, Gary was the Chief Operating Officer of National Eco Wholesale, Inc., a distributor of exclusively natural and sustainable products to retail and e-retail channels. Prior to that, he was with Corporate Express for 15 years; and in his last role, he was Senior Vice President of Sales. Gary earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University. He and his family reside in Boulder Colorado and enjoy all that this part of the world has to offer.

Colette Raymond
Executive Vice President Operations, North America

Colette joined Shred-it in 2000 as General Manager, Montreal. During the last nine years she has held positions of increasing responsibility including Regional Manager, Eastern Canada; and was our first expatriated Regional Manager in France. Colette most recently held the position of Senior Vice President Sales, Service and Operations for Canada and North East U.S. She is currently responsible for Shred-it Operations in Canada and the U.S., as Executive Vice President, Operations.

Prior to joining Shred-it, Colette served as Director of Operations for Loomis Armored Car Ltd., a secure transportation and cash management company, for 10 years. She began her career as Manager at the Toronto Dominion Bank head office, a leading Canadian financial institution. Colette resides in Rigaud, Québec located near the Ottawa River with her husband, and their son and daughter.

Jim Rudyk
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President

Jim joined Shred-it in November 2009. Jim brings over 20 years of executive experience to the company. Prior to joining Shred-it, Jim held numerous executive roles in various mid to large sized growth orientated organizations, including Canada Cartage Systems, Dynamic Tire Corporation and Dell Canada Inc. Jim is an accomplished senior executive with a proven track record of business success in demanding and fast-paced environments, with extensive experience in Financial Reporting and Management, Operational Management and M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) Execution. He is currently responsible for setting the financial direction for the company as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President.

Jim received his Masters of Accounting from the University of Waterloo and also has a CA designation. He is married with 2 daughters, and is an athletic enthusiast.