Deb Young
Head of External Relations
About
Deb Young is the Head of External Relations at Signal49 Research. In this role, Deb leads the communications, media relations, government relations, and fundraising functions to strengthen the organization’s profile and standing. Her leadership has driven a 40 per cent increase in media coverage and a 50 per cent increase in social presence. With over 30 years of experience, Deb has held senior roles in government and finance, led her own communications advisory firm, and taught at the post-secondary level, in addition to early career roles in advertising and broadcasting.
Deb spent close to 20 years with IG Wealth Management (formerly Investors Group) in senior leadership positions where she drove enterprise-wide marketing and communications transformation, launched award-winning campaigns, and partnered with other executives to reposition the brand, contributing to a 25 per cent increase in share price. More recently, Deb was the chief communications advisor to the premier of Manitoba, overseeing cross-government communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and crisis response during the onset of COVID-19. She directed the development of over 1,000 communications products annually, including the Speech from the Throne and budget, and led integrated teams of 20+ staff. Her leadership delivered operational savings and spearheaded campaigns that achieved unanimous legislative support.
Employment History
- Director, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement (Executive Council, Office of the Premier)
- Principal, Young Communications Group
- Assistant Vice-President, Marketing and Communications, IG Wealth Management (Investors Group)
- Director, Strategic Initiatives (Government of Manitoba)
- Press Secretary to Cabinet (Executive Council, Office of the Premier)
Academic Qualifications
- MA, Communication, Royal Roads University
- BA, English, University of Manitoba
- Creative Communications Diploma program, Red River College
- Certificate in Digital Marketing, University of Illinois
- Governance Essentials (NFP Program), Rotman School of Management, ICD
- Fundamentals of Fundraising, Association of Fundraising Professionals