Gina Cody School: Dean’s Homecoming reception

John Sicard, BCompSci 88, is president and CEO of Kinaxis, a global leader in modern end-to-end supply chain management. A passionate technologist and vocal advocate of “supply chains for good,” he leads 2,000 employees in more than 25 countries with the mission of improving the world’s most complex supply chains for the benefit of people and the planet. 

Since John become CEO in 2016, Kinaxis revenue has more than quadrupled and he continues to advocate for fundamental change in supply chain management. Prior to joining the company more than 30 years ago, he held senior software architect and management positions in research and development at FastMAN Software Systems and Monenco Agra.

He holds a Bachelor of Computer Science from Concordia, with a focus on software architecture and UI design. He is also a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management program.

Bob Courteau, BComm 81, LLD 11, is chair of the board at Kinaxis and a director of D2L Inc., both category leaders with strong platforms for continued global growth. An accomplished senior executive, he has extensive experience in leading new business initiatives and achieving global growth objectives with some of the world’s foremost companies.

As a board director, he has facilitated the transition of private companies to public markets, including IMRIS Inc., First National Financial Corp., and Real Matters Inc. Additionally, he provides strategic counsel to venture and private-equity firms, including BlackRock, Inc. and Whitecap Venture Partners.

During his tenure as CEO of Altus Group, Bob re-platformed the company to become a comprehensive provider of software, data solutions and independent advisory services to the global commercial real estate industry. Starting in 2012 with a market cap of less than C$300 million, he created strong shareholder and operational value for Altus Group, culminating with a market cap peaking at $3 billion as of his departure in 2021.

Bob has been an active supporter of the Canadian technology landscape, including in his role as chair of the Information Technology Association of Canada, as well as an advisor, mentor and angel investor for many successful venture-backed, Canadian technology companies. He has also contributed to many not-for-profit initiatives, most recently serving as vice-chair for the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.

A proud supporter of his alma mater, he holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and received an honorary doctorate in 2011.