New president joins MaRS

University of Toronto researchers and entrepreneurs often look to MaRS Discovery District for help developing their spinoff companies.

So word that Euan Robertson is joining MaRS in the newly created role of president and chief operating officer is welcome news, says Derek Newton, executive director of U of T’s Innovations & Partnerships Office.

“MaRSDD is one of the university's key partners in research commercialization, company creation and incubation,” Newton said from China, where he spoke at the Beijing International Technology Conference about entrepreneurship at U of T.

“It’s a vital part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem which makes Toronto such a vibrant location for our entrepreneurs,” Newton said. “I look forward to working with Euan as we continue to turn the university's ideas, knowledge and research into companies, jobs and prosperity for Ontario and Canada."

Robertson joins MaRS from the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), where he held the position of executive vice-president and the Center for Economic Transformation, where he served as managing director. At NYCEDC, he led Applied Sciences NYC, bringing a new $2-billion science and engineering campus to the city in partnership with Cornell University and the Technion Israel Institute of Technology.

“Euan is recognized as a driver behind New York City’s spectacular success in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in recent years,” said MaRS CEO Ilse Treurnicht.

In the fall of 2013 MaRS will strengthen and expand its programs and open its Phase 2 building - more than doubling the size of its current facilities, Treurnicht said.

“I look forward to working in partnership with him as MaRS enters a critical new phase of growth,” Treurnicht said, adding Robertson will lead the organization’s increasingly demanding day-to-day operations and work closely with her to strengthen MaRS’ ability to bring important discoveries to market and help entrepreneurs succeed in the highly competitive global marketplace.

“This position is both an incredible challenge and a huge opportunity. I am truly thrilled to join one of the world’s leading urban innovation hubs,” said Robertson. “MaRS has already established an enviable record as best-in-class. I’m looking forward to working with Ilse, the Board, and the MaRS community to take this remarkable organization to the next level.”

Robertson is “a recognized leader in the innovation community,” said Gordon Nixon, President and CEO, RBC, and Chair, MaRS Discovery District.

“Mr. Robertson has an extensive background in science and technology, and a record of effectively transforming and scaling organizations, key skills for driving economic and social prosperity — both in Canada and abroad — through smarter innovation.”

At NYCEDC, Robertson oversaw a broad suite of programs, including investment funds, incubators, training and mentorship and advisory services. His most recent role there encompassed the life sciences, financial services, media, fashion, clean technology and information and communications technology sectors, where he worked with industry leaders and investors.

Robertson also served as executive director of the New York Power Utility Service, sat on the board of BioBAT (a biotech incubator) and on the Mayor’s Council on Technology & Innovation. Before heading to New York, Robertson held senior roles in the public and private sectors in the U.K, working for the government on healthcare strategy and spending almost a decade in the private sector, including more than five years as COO of a technology startup and four years leading business process redesign for the U.K.’s largest power utility.