Park Lawn Corporation Ousts CEO and COO in Sweeping Leadership Shake-Up; Armed Security Accompanies New Executive [UPDATED]
Article updated with official statement from Park Lawn Corporation
Park Lawn Corporation (TSX: PLC) announced sweeping leadership changes Monday, April 13, 2026, terminating CEO Jennifer Hay and COO Mat Forastiere, effective immediately, without cause or advance notice to staff.
In an internal memo obtained by ConnectingDirectors.com, dated Monday, April 13, 2026, and sent from the desk of incoming President Markus Sturm, the company informed employees of the departures and outlined a new leadership structure.
Per the memo:
“Effective today, CEO Jennifer Hay and COO Mat Forastiere have departed Park Lawn. I have been asked by our Board of Directors to step into the role of President and Steve Shaffer, President, CEO and Board Chair of Homesteaders Life Company, will take on the role of Executive Chairman.”
Sturm indicated he will oversee corporate support functions, including Finance, Sales & Marketing, Corporate Development, Technology, Legal, and HR & Administration — while Shaffer will work alongside Regional Vice Presidents to manage field operations.
The memo stated the transition carried “full support from our Board of Directors” and directed employees with questions to contact Sturm, the Senior Leadership team, or HR.
New Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Named
Simultaneously, the company announced the appointment of Jason Stabile as Chief Sales & Marketing Officer. Stabile brings more than a decade of executive experience spanning Sales, Marketing, Brand, Transformation, Customer Experience, and Segment Strategy at institutions in the U.S. and Canada. He most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer for a large division of US Bank, and previously held the roles of Chief Brand Officer and SVP of Global Marketing at Manulife, and Principal at Boston Consulting Group.
Company Town Hall Raises Eyebrows
Sources with knowledge tell ConnectingDirectors.com Steve Shaffer and Markus Sturm reportedly arrived accompanied by two sheriff’s deputies in full uniform and tactical gear on Monday, prior to Tuesday’s town hall. Staff were reportedly told that Shaffer requires a security detail in light of the high-profile murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Thompson was shot and killed on December 4, 2024, outside the New York Hilton Midtown in what investigators called a targeted attack. Luigi Mangione was arrested five days later and now faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder. The killing sent shockwaves through the corporate world, with prosecutors alleging it scared 40 UnitedHealthcare executives into hiring bodyguards.
More Departures Rumored
Sources familiar with the situation indicate that additional members of Park Lawn’s senior leadership team may be departing in the coming days or weeks, though the company has made no further announcements.
ConnectingDirectors.com will continue to monitor and report on developments.
Notes: Steve Shaffer and Markus Sturm reportedly arrived on Monday, accompanied by two sheriff’s deputies in full uniform and tactical gear, not Tuesday for town hall.
[UPDATED] Official Statement from Park Lawn Corp:
Park Lawn Corporation can confirm the company made leadership changes to support its next phase of growth. Jennifer Hay, Mat Forastiere and Jay Dodds have departed Park Lawn Corporation.
Markus Sturm has been promoted from CFO to President. His leadership, alongside the active engagement of the Board, led by Board Chair Steve Shaffer, will help ensure continuity of care. The leadership team and Board bring extensive operational expertise to execute on the company’s vision and shared commitment to employees, clients, and partners.
With nearly 300 locations across Canada and the U.S., Park Lawn remains strong and committed to supporting families during the most important and difficult moments of their lives.
