The Mitacs Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Robert Annan as interim chief executive officer (CEO) and scientific director of Mitacs, effective July 1, 2014. Dr. Annan will replace Dr. Arvind Gupta, current CEO and scientific director, who will move to his new role as the 13th president and vice chancellor of the University of British Columbia. Dr. Gupta will remain on the Mitacs Board of Directors. The appointment of Dr. Annan ensures the continuity of Mitacs’ vision for developing next-generation innovators and its commitment to designing and delivering exemplary programs.
“Dr. Annan has been a key part of the success of Mitacs today,” says Brad Bennett, Chair of the Mitacs Board of Directors. “His expertise in research and innovation policy has been invaluable to our stakeholders, and we are confident that his leadership and energy will continue to propel our goals and create a more innovative Canada. Dr. Annan will work closely with Dr. Gupta over the next three months to ensure a smooth leadership transition.”
“I’m delighted that Dr. Annan will become our interim CEO,” says Dr. Gupta. “He is highly respected for his insight, dedication, and vision. I look forward to the new ideas he’ll bring to this leadership position.”
Dr. Annan is currently chief research officer at Mitacs, where he directs policy research and analysis in addition to overseeing standards of excellence for all Mitacs-sponsored research. He has been instrumental in garnering support from government, industry, and other stakeholders, and is a regular contributor to innovation policy discussions in Canada and abroad. Dr. Annan joined Mitacs in June 2011, after running a successful consulting business on research policy and strategy for academia. He has a PhD in biochemistry from McGill University, a bachelor of science in biology from the University of Victoria, and a bachelor of arts (honours) in English from Queen’s University. He lives in Ottawa with his wife and three children.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to contribute even more to such a dynamic, forward-thinking organization,” says Dr. Annan. “Mitacs has a very solid team and strong board of directors, and we remain focused on continuing success in promoting Canadian innovation.”
A special committee of the Mitacs Board of Directors is undergoing a comprehensive executive search for a permanent CEO and scientific director.
Mitacs is a national, private not-for-profit organization that develops the next generation of innovators with vital scientific and business skills through a suite of unique research and training programs, such as Mitacs Accelerate, Elevate, Step, and Globalink. In partnership with companies, government and universities, Mitacs is supporting a new economy using Canada’s most valuable resource – its people.
To learn more about Mitacs visit www.mitacs.ca.
