TORONTO
,
Dec. 3
/CNW/ - Gowlings is pleased to announce that Thomas d'Aquino will be joining the Firm on
January 1, 2010
as senior counsel and Chair of its Business Strategy and Public Policy Group.
"Tom's outstanding record of leadership in shaping public policy in
Canada
and his experience in government, business and law make him an excellent fit for Gowlings as the Chair of our Business Strategy and Public Policy Group," said R.
Scott Jolliffe
, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Gowlings. "We are delighted to have Tom begin this next phase of his extraordinary career at Gowlings."
Widely considered as a powerful influence on public policy in
Canada
, Mr. d'Aquino will bring his expertise and industry insight to Gowlings and its clients. He will provide strategic counsel to clients on national and international issues, serve as an advisor on business strategy and add further depth to the Firm's expertise in public policy.
"Gowlings has an impressive 100-year track record of providing policy and strategic business advice to its clients," said Thomas d'Aquino. "It is an honour to join a firm of this calibre and have the opportunity to contribute to the success of its clients at home and abroad."
As Chief Executive and President of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives (CCCE), a post he has occupied since 1981 and will vacate on
December 31, 2009
, Mr. d'Aquino has worked directly with more than 1,000 chief executives and leading entrepreneurs. Under his leadership, the CCCE has played a key role in shaping the direction of fiscal, taxation, trade, energy, environmental, competitiveness and corporate governance policies in
Canada
.
Mr. d'Aquino's experience includes serving as a Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of
Canada
and as the founder and chief executive of Intercounsel Limited, a firm specializing in the execution of domestic and international business transactions. Mr. d'Aquino also has practised in the international trade law area and is considered one of Canada's foremost policy strategists and the country's most effective global business ambassador.
"Tom will help us further enhance the strategic business and policy advice we offer our clients as they look to interact with governments at all levels," said Domenic Crolla, Firm Managing Partner.
Author of numerous publications, a regular commentator on radio and television and a frequent speaker in
Canada
, the
United States
,
Europe
, Asia and Latin America, Mr. d'Aquino has addressed audiences in 25 countries and in over 100 cities worldwide.
Mr. d'Aquino acts as a director of Manulife Financial Corporation, CGI Group Inc. and Coril Holdings Ltd. and as Chair of the National Gallery of
Canada
Foundation. He also serves as Distinguished Visiting Professor, Global Business and Public Policy Strategies, The
Norman Paterson
School of International Affairs, Carleton University; and Honorary Professor,
Richard Ivey School
of Business.
A native of Nelson, B.C., Mr. d'Aquino was educated at the University of British Columbia, Queen's University and the University of
London
(University College and the
London
School of Economics). He holds BA, LLB and LLM degrees, and Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Queen's University and Wilfrid Laurier University.
About Gowlings
Gowlings is a leading Canadian law firm offering a diverse range of services to help domestic and international organizations achieve their business objectives. Recognized for excellence in business, government affairs, advocacy and intellectual property law, Gowlings provides dedicated industry expertise in a number of sectors including energy, infrastructure, life sciences, financial services, technology, manufacturing and the environment. The Firm combines traditional legal services and innovative solutions in areas such as business transactions, competition, financial services, regulation, tax, international trade and foreign investment, to provide business entities with a competitive advantage. Named as one of Canada's 50 Best Employers, Gowlings has over 2,000 employees, including over 700 professionals in offices across Montréal,
Ottawa
,
Toronto
, Hamilton, Waterloo Region,
Calgary
and
Vancouver
. The Firm also provides intellectual property services in
Russia
and the CIS through its office in
Moscow
, and energy, resource and infrastructure expertise through its office in
London
, U.K. Visit us at www.gowlings.com.
For further information: For further information: Melita Vega, Hill & Knowlton, Office: (416) 413-4743, Mobile: (416) 578-6521, [email protected]
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