Policy Insights Forum to Recognize a Distinguished Champion of Canadian Excellence

The Policy Insights Forum (PIF) is pleased to announce that Mr. Kevin Ford, retiring Chief Executive Officer of Calian, will be the 2026 recipient of the North Star Award, PIF’s highest honour celebrating outstanding Canadian leadership and global impact. The award will be presented at the North Star Award Gala Dinner in May 2026 at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa.

‍Celebrating Canadian Excellence and Global Leadership

‍The North Star Award stands as a symbol of Canadian achievement on the world stage, recognizing individuals whose work strengthens Canada’s economic resilience, industrial capacity, and global credibility. As Canada prepares for a generational increase in defence and security investments, including the government’s stated intention to move toward 5% of GDP in support of NATO’s 2035 capability objectives, the leadership of figures like Kevin Ford takes on even greater national significance.

‍Kevin Ford’s Impact

‍During his nearly eleven-year tenure as Calian’s CEO, Mr. Ford guided the company through a period of unprecedented growth, expanding its footprint fourfold and positioning it as a globally respected Canadian and allied enterprise delivering mission-critical solutions for essential industries including defence, space, and health. His leadership, defined by teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to innovation, has helped shape an organization that is now central to Canada’s ability to compete, contribute, and lead across critical sectors.

Calian’s evolution under his stewardship aligns closely with the forward-looking vision of the Government of Canada as it strengthens national resilience, modernizes defence capabilities, and expands Canada’s contribution to allied safety and security efforts. Mr. Ford’s leadership in engineering and technology innovation, cyber readiness and systems integration has positioned Calian as a trusted partner for delivering the critical capabilities Canada will depend on as it strengthens its NATO partnerships and prepares to meet the complex operational demands of the next decade.

‍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 with direct exposure to national policy development, governance, and strategic analysis. Mr. Ford’s experience in corporate governance, innovation strategy, and international industry leadership will offer the selected intern a truly exceptional learning opportunity.

‍Quotations

Goran Samuel Pesic, Chairman of the Policy Insights Forum

“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

"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 North Star Award Gala Dinner will bring together leaders from industry, government, and academia to celebrate Canadian excellence in service of the public good. For event information and sponsorship opportunities, please visit our North Star Award Gala Dinner page.

‍About Kevin Ford

‍As 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.

‍About the Policy Insights Forum

‍The Policy Insights Forum (PIF) is a non-partisan, non-profit policy think tank dedicated to advancing thought leadership and fostering informed national dialogue on the economic, security, and geopolitical challenges facing Canada. Through events, research, and strategic initiatives—including the North Star Award and North Star Internship—PIF supports the development of strong, future-focused Canadian leadership.

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‍www.policyinsights.ca