Canadian Chamber of Commerce Names Ian Edwards as 2024 International Business Leader of the Year

(TORONTO) – September 10 – The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Ian L. Edwards, President and CEO of AtkinsRéalis, as the recipient of the 2024 International Business Leader of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition highlights Mr. Edwards’ exemplary leadership of AtkinsRéalis, a global leader in engineering services and nuclear energy, known for its innovation and commitment to sustainability.

Under Mr. Edwards’ strategic leadership, AtkinsRéalis has advanced innovative solutions that have strengthened Canada’s global business reputation, while spearheading sustainability initiatives and driving the transition to clean energy, including climate adaptation and nuclear power. With over 30 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, Mr. Edwards has consistently pushed the boundaries of engineering to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.

“Not only has Ian’s leadership been pivotal to transform the company and steer AtkinsRéalis towards a more strategically focused, growth-oriented, and purpose-driven future, but it has helped fortify Canada’s reputation as a place where business is done with both innovation and care,” said Candace Laing, President and CEO of Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “Ian has demonstrated the value of working directly with people and communities when undertaking large engineering and infrastructure projects. The dedicated team he has built delivers on the company’s promises to stakeholders.”

As a leading engineering services and nuclear organization, AtkinsRéalis aims to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems by connecting people, data and technology across Canada and the world. As President and CEO, Mr. Edwards nurtures a culture at AtkinsRéalis where values of safety, integrity, collaboration, innovation and excellence are lived every day, driving how one works, delivers and shows up in the world.

“I am truly honored to receive the International Business Leader Award from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. This recognition reflects the dedication of all our employees towards our purpose of engineering a better future for our planet and its people,” said Ian L. Edwards, President and CEO of AtkinsRéalis. “Under our new brand, AtkinsRéalis, we are one global team striving to solve the world’s most pressing problems, from the energy transition and replacing aging infrastructure to building climate resilience. By working collaboratively with our public and private partners towards these important goals, we are not only making a tangible impact globally but also helping Canada make its mark on the world stage. This award inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence together.”

Mr. Edwards will be honored at a formal reception and dinner on Monday, November 25, 2024, in Toronto, ON. The event will feature a special presentation by renowned political commentator David Frum, offering insights into the U.S. election results and their potential impact on global business and political landscapes.

The International Business Leader of the Year award recognizes a business executive from a Canadian company whose visionary leadership and proactive pursuit of international business opportunities have enabled their company to establish a strong, competitive Canadian presence in global markets. 

For more information or to attend the award ceremony, please contact Alexandra Miceli, Director, Member Relations at 416.868.6415 (3232) or amiceli@chamber.ca. For inquires in French, please contact Anick DeSousa, Senior Director, Member Relations and Export Services at 613.238.4000 (2239) or adesousa@chamber.ca.

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — The Future of Business Success

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most activated business network — representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 businesses of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — to create the conditions for our collective success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success. From working with government on economy-friendly policy to providing services that inform commerce and enable trade, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competitors and trends, influence over the decisions and policies that drive business success and impact on business and economic performance. 

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