Kevin Goldthorp, Western’s vice-president (external relations), is leaving Western to become senior vice-president, advancement, and foundation president at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. His final day at the university will be Friday, Feb. 1.
“Kevin has concluded that the interests of his family and the university are best served by having a vice-president able to spend more time in London. While he will be greatly missed, I respect his decision,” said Amit Chakma, Western president.
Chakma will serve as acting vice-president (external relations) until a replacement is hired.
Since arriving in April 2010, Goldthorp has worked with Western’s Board of Governors, senior leadership and External Relations team to accomplish much.
Generating more than $200 million during his tenure, Goldthorp spearheaded a re-structuring of the university’s fundraising campaign, providing it with focus on the academic mission, and re-launched it last fall into a comprehensive effort to raise $750 million by 2018.
He led a rethink of the university’s brand strategy, which included establishing and implementing a new visual identity, taking a major step forward in clarifying Western’s positioning in the higher education marketplace.
Together with Geoff Beattie, campaign chair, Goldthorp recruited a Campaign Cabinet and strong senior fundraising team, led by Susana Gajic-Bruyea, associate vice-president, alumni and development, and Yves Gadler, associate vice-president, principal gifts.
Beattie expressed disappointment that Goldthorp is leaving, but reaffirmed his commitment to the campaign’s success and was complimentary of the shape in which Goldthorp leaves Western’s Campaign.