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"I am delighted -- and very proud -- that the David Suzuki Foundation can attract this kind of talent," Dr. Suzuki said. "Peter Robinson is a national leader, a man who has proven that you can be environmentally sustainable, socially conscious and still run an extremely successful business. We're very excited at the prospect of his building on the incredible contribution that everyone at the Foundation has made over the past 17 years."
Calling DSF "the most trusted organization in Canada when it comes to issues of science and the environment," Peter Robinson said, "I am honoured to join the team and determined to protect and expand that reputation. At a time when we in Canada -- and the whole world -- face some of the most critical environmental issues of all time, I want to ensure that everyone from the person on the street to the Prime Minister will continue to count on the David Suzuki Foundation for intelligent and reliable environmental information."
The DSF Board of Directors spent four months in an exhaustive international search for its new CEO, said Board Chair James Hoggan. "We short-listed stellar candidates from as far away as Europe. But at the end of this very thorough process, we concluded that the best fit was right here in Vancouver."
Long an institution in Vancouver, MEC almost doubled in size under Robinson's leadership, adding five new stores across the country, more than one million new members, and increasing its annual sales from $147 million to $240 million. It has also earned international accolades for its transparency, its ethical sourcing policies and its sustainable building and business practices.
But after more than seven years, Robinson -- who is also a senior Canadian delegate of the Red Cross -- said he had achieved his goals at MEC and was looking for another way to make a difference. "I think that two of the greatest challenges of our time are environmental matters and concerns for human security, and that's where I was looking," Robinson said. "I wanted to make a difference, so I feel very lucky that this opportunity came up."
"The timing is perfect for DSF, as well," said Board Chair Hoggan. "The environment is the number one issue in Canada. I think we're at a tipping point, that Canadians are ready to assume a leadership position in the world. Peter Robinson has already shown what responsible and economically sound environmental leadership looks like, so we're confident that he will add great value and credibility to the Foundation's efforts."
Robinson plans to conclude his commitments to MEC and assume his new position at DSF by the end of the year.