Dennis Darby of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters

The manufacturing sector in Canada is truly at a crossroads, and it will hinge on the adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques and the utilization of those with the necessary technical and management skills to move ahead.  What the pandemic has highlighted is that the strength of our supply chains, the dependence on key products and materials processed outside of Canada, have made us vulnerable to everything from rail blockades, to port strikes to the worst pandemic in a century.  While we are not proposing a nativist approach or retrenchment from global trade, we are suggesting that we have an unprecedented opportunity to attract and retain the talent and the investment, to adopt technologies that improve productivity and environmental sustainability for the purpose of commercializing the IP often generated here, often through SME’s, to sell to Canadians and the world, and grow our GDP and our exports. 

Biography:

Dennis A. Darby is the President and CEO of Canadian Manutactures and Exporters (CME).  Dennis joined CME in 2017 after nine years as CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists' Association and a 24 year-long career in senior management at Proter & Gamble, including leadership roles in US & Europe.

Dennis graduated from McMaster University in 1984 with a degree in Chemical Engineering and Management, and he is a redistered Professional Engineer in Ontario. He is an accredited corporate director, having received his ICD.D designation in 2011.  He has served on a number of industry and charity boards as both directors and chair.   

Address:Ontario, Canada