TORONTO, March 21, 2022 — Today, the Toronto Region Board of Trade announced the appointment of Giles Gherson as Executive Vice President & Chair of the Economic Blueprint Institute. Giles brings more than 25 years of experience in government and media, including 15 years with the Province of Ontario where he’s held influential Deputy Minister roles in multiple portfolios, most recently and extensively as Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
Jan De Silva, President and CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade said, “Giles’ expertise and experience in economic development comes at a pivotal time for the Board as we work to optimize our members’ and our region’s economic potential beyond recovery. His provincial lens into our economic growth opportunities and challenges will influence our work positioning our business districts, our members and their workforces for domestic and global success.”
In his new role, Giles will work to maximize the Board’s economic development and competitiveness impact for members, advance policy initiatives by leveraging the data-driven power of the Board’s Economic Blueprint Institute and drive strategy across the organization.
“As we come out of the pandemic, now is the time for our Toronto Region to invest in what matters most. The Board houses an unparalleled toolbox of knowledge, understanding and data to determine what investments will have the greatest impact in strengthening business competitiveness and advancing growth,” said Giles Gherson, EVP and Chair of the Economic Blueprint Institute.
Previously, Giles has led the government’s economic growth and competitiveness policy, oversaw the recent creation of two new agencies, Invest Ontario and IP Ontario, and worked to attract a wave of technology and manufacturing investments, including the retooling of Ontario’s auto sector for next generation battery electric vehicles. Prior to his roles in government, Giles was editor-inchief of the Toronto Star, political editor of the National Post and editor of the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business.
The Toronto Region Board of Trade is one of the largest and most influential business chambers in North America and is a catalyst for the region’s economic agenda. We pursue policy change to drive the growth and competitiveness of the Toronto region and facilitate market opportunities with programs, partnerships and connections to help our members succeed – domestically and internationally.
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