Alicia DeFreitas, CHRL

Executive summary

Alicia DeFreitas is BDO Canada's Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Talent & Culture, and a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Alicia's professional experience is focused on human resources practices that attract, retain and engage high-potential talent. Alicia has led innovative human resources solutions and has proven experience managing through complex change.

Prior to her appointment as CHRO, Alicia was the BDO HR Leader for the GTA and National. Alicia was also the HR Leader of the firm's HR programs including compensation, benefits, HR systems, and mergers and acquisitions. She has skillfully advised a range of internal clients in southern and midwestern Ontario. Before joining BDO, Alicia gained global mobility expertise at KPMG.

After graduating from the Master of Human Resources (M.HRM) program at York University, she became a board member as a programs officer for the M.HRM Alumni Committee. Alicia helped establish a vital network for M.HRM alumni to stay connected, and organized learning sessions for M.HRM graduates by liaising with academic researchers and HR professionals.

Alicia currently volunteers her time as a mentor to young women in the Advancing Women's program at York University and is also a mentor for BDO Global's Seed Fund program. She is a recognized leader in human resources and is known for her strong influence to the profession both internally and externally, for her diversity of thought, and people focused approach.

Professional designations and education

Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL)
Master of Human Resources (M.HRM), York University
Human Resource Management, Post Graduate, Sheridan College
Honours Bachelor of Arts, Labour Studies, McMaster University
Harvard Business School Executive Education