Ian McKay

Ian Gerard McKay was appointed the inaugural CEO of Invest in Canada on March 12, 2018. He is responsible for the agency’s start-up as well as the delivery of its mandate to position Canada as a premier destination for foreign direct investment, while making it simpler and more attractive to build innovative and global businesses in Canada.

A native of British Columbia, Mr. McKay has led a distinguished career in the international financial markets in London, Tokyo and New York and as a political advisor. Most recently as CEO of the Vancouver Economic Commission, he worked tirelessly to accelerate the diversification of Vancouver’s economy and to place it on the global investment map. Mr. McKay also served as Chair of the Consider Canada City Alliance, a network of Canada’s thirteen largest economic development agencies collaborating to promote Canada as an ideal destination for global trade and investment.

In January 2018, the Prime Minister appointed Mr. McKay as Special Envoy to assist with the ongoing negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership in Tokyo, Japan, resulting in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) being signed in March 2018.

With significant executive leadership experience in both the private and public sectors enhanced by a strong understanding of economic development, Ian brings notable expertise to enhance foreign investment into Canada, offering far-reaching economic benefits for Canadians.

Fluent in Japanese, Mr. McKay studied Political Science and Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia and holds a Master of Business Administration from Queen’s University.

  • Company:CEO, Invest in Canada
Go back

Sessions