We are delighted to announce that Ashutosh (Ashu) Pandey, Digital Communications Specialist in our Toronto Corporate Office, is this year’s Larry Connell Award recipient for Collaborative Excellence.
Ashu embodies the core values of collaboration, positivity, commitment and professionalism. He eagerly helps colleagues, tackles challenges with resourcefulness, and approaches every task with efficiency and enthusiasm. Even in the face of challenges, Ashu maintains a positive and upbeat attitude, inspiring others with his passion and compassion. He consistently delivers high-quality work and communicates with tact and respect, turning obstacles into opportunities with a proactive, can-do attitude.
“This award is very special as it honours individuals for how well they work with EVERYONE to achieve success – within Agnico Eagle and beyond.” comments Ammar Al-Joundi, President and CEO. “Ashu exemplifies the essence of collaboration and genuine positivity, as evidenced by his peers, who think very highly of him.”
Ashu began his career with Agnico Eagle in 2019, working in our Corporate Communications Department. Today, he is the heart and soul of that department, exemplifying the qualities the Larry Connell Award seeks to honour and the values that define Agnico Eagle’s culture.
In nominating him for this honour, Ashu’s colleagues universally echoed their admiration for his exceptional qualities:
“Some of the things that set Ashu apart are the sheer joy he takes in continuous learning and improvement, his cheery nature no matter the circumstances and the degree of professionalism, dedication and extremely high standards he holds himself to. By example and through his enthusiasm, Ashu leads everyone around him to also bring their best,” says Sonja Galton, Director Internal Communications and Digital Channels.
Tracy Yan, Digital Communications Specialist adds, “Ashu is one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing, both personally and professionally. His gentle, generous spirit truly embodies Agnico Eagle’s ‘Culture of the Heart’, and I cannot imagine a more deserving recipient for the Larry Connell Collaborative Excellence Award.”
In recognition of his achievement, Agnico Eagle will donate $5,000 CDN on behalf of Ashu to the registered charity of his choice, Mississauga Animal Services, in memory of his family’s beloved dog, Leo Pandey. The funds will be used to support the shelter’s commitment to keeping the animals in its care healthy, safe and comfortable as they await adoption.
Ashu was chosen from an excellent group of regional finalists for this award:
Heath Guthrie – Fosterville Gold Mine, Australia
Luis Legarreta Perez Franco – México
Hannu Koistinen - Kittilä Mine, Finland
Roch Farmer– Meadowbank Complex, Nunavut
Shelley Forsythe - Detour Lake Mine, Ontario
Chantal Gauthier – CSDRN, Quebec
A donation of $1,000 CDN will also be made by Agnico Eagle on behalf of each of these finalists to the registered charity of their choice.
Congratulations, Ashu, on winning this award and truly embodying Agnico Eagle’s values. To all our finalists worldwide, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and for your contributions to Agnico Eagle’s success.
The Larry Connell Award for Collaborative Excellence annually celebrates an Agnico Eagle employee who is a consummate partner and respected peer, and who fosters our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Equity, Family and Trust – all qualities exemplified by Larry Connell, our retired Corporate Director of Regulatory Affairs.