David Thomson has been named the recipient of the University of Manitoba’s 2015 International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award (IDEA)
David Thomson announced as 2015 IDEA recipient
David Thomson has been named the recipient of the University of Manitoba’s 2015 International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award (IDEA) by the Associates, a group of more than 260 prominent business leaders who support the Asper School of Business. The University established the IDEA award in 1984 to honour leaders who have achieved outstanding entrepreneurial and business success, and who have made an exemplary contribution to global economic life.
David Thomson is Co-Chairman of the Woodbridge Company Limited, the Thomson family investment company, Chairman of Thomson Reuters, and Chairman of The Globe and Mail Inc. David is an active private investor with a focus on real estate and serves on the boards of several private companies.
The award will be presented to Mr. Thomson at a gala dinner in Winnipeg at the RBC Convention Centre on June 1, 2015, where he will be presented with a custom-made pure gold medal produced by the Royal Canadian Mint specifically for the award. Paul Soubry, President and CEO of New Flyer will act as Master of Ceremonies of the 2015 IDEA Dinner, and the introduction of the Mr Thomson will be given by Mark Chipman, Chairman of True North Sports & Entertainment.
“The University of Manitoba is honoured to recognize the achievements of David Thomson,” says University of Manitoba President and Vice-Chancellor David Barnard. “As an important Canadian business leader and philanthropist, he stands apart as a role model for those who seek to contribute to the economic life of this country and communities around the world.”
“The return of the Jets to Winnipeg has stimulated our economy, but more importantly, the contribution of David Thomson, in partnership with Mark Chipman, has set the groundwork for a surge of civic pride, which is only gaining momentum,” says Arni Thorsteinson, chair of the IDEA Committee for the Associates and President of Shelter Canadian Properties Limited. “David took a leap of faith in investing in a city’s dream for the return of an NHL franchise. His willingness to take a risk and his belief in our city has been transformative for Winnipeg and Manitoba.”
Dean Michael Benarroch of the I.H. Asper School of Business applauded the recipient choice, “I am delighted that we have the opportunity to recognize a man who has had an impact on people and communities all around the world and has directly contributed to the growing vibrancy of our own city.”
The Associates are committed to ensuring that the Asper School of Business remains one of the leading business schools in Canada. The Associates support and promote interaction between the business community, faculty and students through programs and events including the IDEA presentation.
“RBC is proud to continue our support of the annual IDEA Gala as part of our ongoing partnership with the Associates of the Asper School of Business,” said
Kim Ulmer, Regional President for Manitoba, Saskatchewan and North Western Ontario. “As a strong community supporter, we are extremely pleased to join in recognizing and celebrating Mr. Thomson.”
Mr. Thomson joins past IDEA recipients including, Albert D. Cohen, O.C., Isreal H. Asper, O.C., Q.C., Richard Branson, Paul Desmarais, Akio Morita, Ross Perot, Heather Reisman, Dame Anita Roddick, Gerald Schwartz, Jim Sinegal, Stu Clark, Chip Wilson and last year’s recipient, Linda Hasenfratz.