Calgary Economic Development (CED) and the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) have announced new board appointments that will help shape Calgary’s economic trajectory and support both organizations through their next chapters of growth.
Navin Arora, Executive Vice-President at TELUS and President of TELUS Business Solutions, TELUS Health, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods, and TELUS Partner Solutions, has been named Board Chair for CED. His position as the CED Board Chair is an ex officio position on the OCIF Board of Directors.
“We are incredibly excited that Navin is joining our board. He brings extensive experience in business growth, innovation and leadership across sectors that are critical to Calgary’s future,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO. “His strategic vision, national and international perspective will be invaluable as we continue to position Calgary as the top choice for global talent and investment.”
Last year, CED created or retained almost 7,500 jobs and attracted more than $719 million in investment.
“I’m honoured to serve as Chair of Calgary Economic Development at such a pivotal time in our city’s history. Calgary is the Blue Sky City — a place of possibility where innovation, talent, investment and connectivity come together to create something extraordinary. I’m excited to work alongside some of our city’s brightest business leaders on our Board and I look forward to all that we’re going to accomplish together,” said Arora.
Navin Arora, CED Board Chair; Executive Vice-President, TELUS; President of TELUS Business Solutions, TELUS Health, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods, and TELUS Partner Solutions. Photo: TELUS
Arora succeeds Joe Lougheed, whose term as CED Board Chair and ex officio OCIF Board Director has come to an end. Lougheed’s leadership helped guide Calgary’s economic strategy through significant periods of transformation, leaving a lasting impact on both organizations.
“Joe has been an incredible champion for Calgary,” said Parry. “His leadership helped us navigate change with confidence, and his commitment to collaboration and community building has left a legacy that will continue to shape our city’s future.”
In addition to Lougheed's departure, John Osler has finished his term as a CED Board Director, Nancy Laird has completed her term as OCIF Board member, and most recently its Vice-Chair.
Also joining the CED Board of Directors are Harish Consul, Founder and CEO of Ocgrow Ventures, and Jennifer Pon, CFO at the Calgary Airport Authority. Geri Greenall, COO at Cascade Trading Ltd., has been appointed to the OCIF Board of Directors.
Learn more about the impact of both organizations in 2024 by viewing the CED and OCIF annual reports. The full lists of board members are available on the CED and OCIF websites.