CALGARY, Nov. 4 /CNW/ -- The Churchill Corporation ("Churchill") is pleased to announce three new executive appointments designed to enhance the Corporate Centre organizational capabilities in the areas of strategic planning and business development and to focus more resources on shareholder value creation.

Churchill is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Greg Phaneuf, to the newly created position of Vice President, Corporate Development. Working closely with the Board of Directors and the CEO, Mr. Phaneuf's responsibilities will include setting and leading the Corporation's strategies for growth; evaluating business development and acquisition opportunities; executing on all transactions initiated by the company and maximizing shareholder value through the best use of the Corporation's resources and assets. Mr. Phaneuf will report to Mr. Jim Houck, Churchill's President & CEO.

Mr. Phaneuf is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta and a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder with 19 years of increasing responsibility within a number of organizations. His most recent position was as VP Finance and Chief Financial Officer of a $300 million energy resource and development company. In this capacity, Mr. Phaneuf oversaw corporate and property acquisitions exceeding $200 million. Prior thereto, he was the Treasurer for Western Oil Sands Inc., a $6 billion corporation. In addition to his treasury responsibilities at Western, Mr. Phaneuf played a key role in the negotiation and structuring of the Western sale process to Marathon Oil and was the project lead on several other undisclosed business development activities.

"We are very pleased to have Greg join the executive management team at Churchill", said Mr. Houck, "Churchill is embarking on a strategic evolution and Greg's strategic and financial expertise will allow us to achieve our long-term goal of enhancing shareholder value."

Secondly, Churchill has created the Office of the CEO within the Corporate Centre. Mr. Houck stated "The Office of the CEO includes a new position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), the President of Stuart Olson - Mr. Don Pearson, and me. Mr. Daryl Sands, Churchill's Senior Vice President and CFO, for the past 3 years, will be assuming the position of Executive Vice President and CFO in the organization. His background and experience will allow him to support the financial and operational functions throughout Churchill. This three person team has been formed to fully deploy our human and capital resources across the organization on the highest value creating opportunities."

Thirdly, Churchill is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Joette Decore in the newly created position of Vice President, Strategic Planning and Human Resources. Working closing with the CEO, Ms.