The Policy Insights Forum (PIF) is honoured to announce that Mr. Kevin Ford, former Chief Executive Officer of Calian Group, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the North Star Award, the Forum’s highest distinction recognizing exceptional Canadian leadership, innovation, and national impact.

The award will be presented during the 2026 North Star Award Gala Dinner on September 24, 2026, in Ottawa, Canada, where leaders from government, industry, academia, and the defence and security community will gather to celebrate Canadian excellence.

‍Celebrating Canadian Excellence and Global Leadership

‍The North Star Award stands as a symbol of Canadian achievement on the world stage, recognizing individuals whose leadership strengthens Canada’s economic resilience, industrial capacity, national security, and international credibility.

During his nearly eleven-year tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Calian Group, Mr. Ford led the company through a period of remarkable transformation and sustained growth. Under his leadership, Calian significantly expanded its global footprint, strengthened its technology portfolio through strategic acquisitions, and became a globally respected Canadian enterprise delivering mission-critical solutions across defence, space, healthcare, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies.

Mr. Ford’s leadership created the foundation for Calian’s continued growth as one of Canada’s leading defence and technology companies. His vision aligned the organization with Canada’s evolving national priorities, positioning the company to support the country’s expanding defence industrial base, strengthen allied partnerships, and contribute to Canada’s long-term economic and security interests.

As Canada undertakes a historic modernization of its defence capabilities and increases investments in domestic industrial capacity, Kevin Ford’s leadership has left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit Canada’s prosperity, innovation ecosystem, and national resilience.

‍Advancing the Next Generation of Canadian Leaders

In conjunction with receiving the 2026 North Star Award, Mr. Ford has graciously agreed to serve as mentor to a selected North Star Intern, a prestigious appointment within PIF’s flagship professional development program.

Administered in collaboration with senior Government of Canada departments and agencies, the internship cultivates emerging Canadian policy leaders through direct exposure to national policy development, governance, and strategic analysis. Mr. Ford’s experience in corporate governance, innovation strategy, and international business leadership will provide an exceptional opportunity for the selected intern.

‍Quotations

Goran Samuel Pesic, Chairman of the Policy Insights Forum, said:

“The PIF Selection Committee could not have chosen a more deserving leader than Kevin Ford. He prepared Calian to step confidently into the role of one of Canada’s leading domestic defence suppliers, an achievement that strengthens our country at a time of immense global change. Kevin embodies the spirit, ambition, and excellence that the North Star Award was created to honour.”

‍Kevin Ford, 2026 North Star Award Recipient, said:

“I want to thank the Policy Insights Forum for this tremendous honour. My career at Calian has been dedicated to building a values-based, innovative organization that grows in step with the evolving needs of Canada and our allies, delivering mission-critical solutions with real impact. I am equally honoured by the opportunity to serve as mentor to the 2026 North Star Intern. Supporting the development of emerging Canadian leaders is both a privilege and a responsibility. This next generation will shape Canada’s economic, security and technological future, and I am proud to contribute to their journey.”

‍A National Gathering in Honour of Leadership

‍The 2026 North Star Award Gala Dinner will bring together senior leaders from government, industry, academia and the public policy community to celebrate Canadian excellence in service of the public good.

The evening will recognize Mr. Ford’s extraordinary contributions to Canadian business leadership, defence industrial growth, technological innovation, and the advancement of Canada’s national economic and security interests.

‍Supporting the 2026 North Star Award Gala

‍The Policy Insights Forum is pleased to acknowledge the generous support of Calian Group, whose contribution is helping facilitate the 2026 North Star Award Gala Dinner.

Calian’s sponsorship reflects the company’s longstanding commitment to Canadian innovation, leadership, and the advancement of Canada’s defence, security, technology, and industrial capabilities. The Forum is grateful for the company’s support in bringing together leaders from across government, industry, academia, and the broader public policy community to celebrate Canadian excellence.

The Policy Insights Forum emphasizes that the selection of the North Star Award recipient is made independently by the PIF Selection Committee in accordance with its established evaluation process. Calian’s generous sponsorship supports the delivery of the Gala and the Forum’s broader mission to promote informed public policy dialogue and recognize Canadians whose leadership has made a lasting contribution to the country’s prosperity, security, and international standing.

‍About Kevin Ford

‍Kevin Ford served as Chief Executive Officer of Calian Group from 2015 to 2026, leading one of Canada’s most significant periods of corporate growth. During his tenure, Calian expanded dramatically through strategic acquisitions, diversified into new international markets, and strengthened its leadership in defence, aerospace, healthcare, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies.

He was named CEO of the Year by the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce and the Ottawa Business Journal in 2017, EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019, and Canada’s Defence Executive of the Year by Canadian Defence Review in 2024.

Mr. Ford played a central role in more than twenty successful acquisitions that transformed Calian into a globally competitive Canadian technology company. Prior to becoming Chief Executive Officer, he served as President of Calian’s Business and Technology Services Division and previously spent eleven years as a Partner with IBM Global Business Services.

He also serves the community through numerous charitable and professional organizations, including the Ottawa Hospital Foundation, and previously served as Chair of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI).

‍About the Policy Insights Forum

‍The Policy Insights Forum is a non-partisan, non-profit Canadian think tank dedicated to advancing thought leadership and fostering informed dialogue on the economic, defence, security, and geopolitical issues shaping Canada’s future.