Peter White has been appointed executive director, government relations and strategic partnerships for Western, effective Aug. 19.
White has led London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) since 2007 as its president/CEO. Under his direction, LEDC has been recognized four times as one of the top economic development organizations in Canada. An active member of the London community, White also serves on a number of executive boards including his current role as past chair of the South West Economic Alliance.
“University researchers are dealing with complex real-world issues that increasingly require not only interdisciplinary collaboration, but also the expertise and resources that government, private and non-profit organizations can provide,” said Western President Amit Chakma. “Peter’s experience in working with all levels of government, as well as private and non-profit organizations will help Western develop new partnerships, while still fully respecting the importance of academic integrity.”
Before joining LEDC, White was a partner in Nexent Innovations Inc., a software solutions company. He also previously held senior management positions at Globalstar Inc., Telular-Globe Data and Motorola Inc. White graduated from Western with an honors degree in history.
At Western, White will play a crucial role in identifying new partnership opportunities in line with Western’s strategic goals and objectives. He will also assume the lead in coordinating multi-stakeholder projects.
An example being the exciting work currently underway at the Fraunhofer Project Centre, located at the Advanced Manufacturing Park, where collaborative composite materials research is being utilized to solve problems such as developing lighter, more fuel efficient cars.
“I’m very impressed with Western’s strategic direction towards achieving global recognition for its quality of teaching and research,” White said. “There are many opportunities for Western to advance its research agenda through partnerships that will benefit Western, within the City of London and beyond and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”