Last Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, AITF (Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures) announced the appointment of Stephen Lougheed as its President and CEO.
A fourth-generation Albertan, Lougheed has 35 years of experience in successfully building and growing technology-related profitable-growth businesses internationally and domestically.
He has been a Director and Executive Chairman of Poynt Corporation (2004 – 2011); CEO, President and then Board Chair of Sylogist Ltd. (2002 – 2006); Petroleum Division President and Corporate Executive Vice President, QC Data International Ltd.; Executive Vice President, BW Technologies Ltd.; Director Business Development, Office of the Chairman, ATCO Group of Companies
Three businesses led by Lougheed have been recognized with Alberta Science and Technology (ASTech) Leadership Foundation awards for commercial achievement.
In 2010 he received a personal ASTech Award in acknowledgement of his contributions to Alberta’s Science and Technology community through the innovative new businesses he helped create that brought hundreds of millions of dollars in new value, and hundreds of jobs, to Alberta and Canada.
In addition to his broad array of qualifications, Stephen has significant working knowledge about AITF through this past involvement on the Board of Directors in a number of capacities including Vice-Chair. More recently, he has been working with the AITF leadership team as Acting COO where he led development of AITF’s 2012-13 Operating Plan.
Stephen’s appointment concludes a six-month executive search process initiated when Gary Albach, former President and CEO, announced his intention to retire.
As part of Alberta’s research and innovation system, AITF is a service organization that plays an integral role in building healthy and sustainable businesses in the province. Through a portfolio of strategic programs, services and collaborative initiatives addressing the needs of entrepreneurs, companies researchers, post-secondary institutions and investors, AITF provides essential technical services and funding support to generate commerce in Alberta.
AITF’s strength comes from more than 110 years of collective research and commercialization expertise from its heritage organizations. AITF's revenues in 2010/11 totalled 81.7 million, including a core grant from the Government of Alberta of $81.7 million. AITF in turn disbursed $60.6 million in strategic grants to Alberta companies and organizations, including TEC Edmonton.