<sup>The North Star Award Gala Dinner, organized by the Policy Insights Forum (PIF), celebrates the remarkable achievements of an outstanding Canadian who has significantly impacted Canada and its people through their work and career. The event aims to honour individuals who have made meaningful contributions to Canada and to the world.

This year, we are honoured to recognize Mr. Kevin Ford, a distinguished leader in the defence and security sector. Mr. Ford served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Calian Group Ltd., where he played a pivotal role in guiding the company through a period of unprecedented growth.

Proceeds from the Gala will support the event and fund the establishment of an internship in the Canadian defence sector in the name of the North Star Award Recipient, Mr. Ford. The PIF will administer and guide this internship, and Mr. Ford will be invited to mentor the selected intern. This initiative ensures that his legacy continues to inspire future leaders dedicated to corporate service and Canada’s economic development.

The Gala serves as a platform to emphasize the importance of service to Canada and its citizens, inspiring individuals to engage in Canada’s public interests, be they in government, the military, the public service, not-for-profits, academia, or business throughout the world.</sup>

<sup>As Former President and Chief Executive Officer of Calian, Kevin Ford focuses on enabling the management team to execute the company’s four-pillar growth framework of customer retention, diversification, innovation and operational excellence. This unrelenting focus has taken the company to the next level, with revenues exceeding the seven-hundred-million-dollar mark in 2024. It’s one milestone on the journey of being a global growing, proudly Canadian company.

Named CEO of the Year by the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce and Ottawa Business Journal in 2017, EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019 and Canada’s Defence Executive of the Year by CDR in 2024. Kevin attributes his success to teamwork, integrity and commitment. These values, combined with Kevin’s enthusiasm for Calian technology and talent and his passion for diversity and inclusion, help him to future-proof the business.

Kevin is fully invested in the growth of the company, playing a key role in the 20 successful acquisitions Calian has made since 2012. “Through a combination of strategic acquisitions, innovative solutions and diversification, we continue to increase our customer base in Canada and expand into new international markets.”

Kevin was promoted to Chief Executive Officer in April 2015. Prior to becoming the CEO of Calian, Kevin served as the Calian Business and Technology Services Division President for more than four years. Kevin worked in professional services for more than 35 years, including 11 years at IBM as a Partner in Global Business Services. He also contributes to numerous charitable organizations, sits on the board of the Ottawa Hospital Foundation and served as Chair of the CADSI Board from October 2019 to 2023. Kevin has coached hockey and most recently led the charge to save a legacy live music venue in Ottawa.</sup>