C.D. Howe Institute Announces Leadership Transition as Bill Robson to Step Down as President & CEO

September 4, 2025 – The C.D. Howe Institute today announced that Bill Robson, President and Chief Executive Officer, intends to step down from his role. Robson will continue as President and CEO, or in an advisory capacity if a successor is in place, until June 30, 2026. The Institute also announced the establishment of an endowment to support the William Robson Research Chair.

Robson became President and CEO of the C.D. Howe Institute in 2006, after almost two decades on its research team. Under his leadership, the Institute has reinforced its position as Canada’s most trusted economic policy think tank, respected for its rigorous, independent research, its insightful advice, and its unique forums for discussion among policymakers, business leaders, academics, and other experts.

“Bill has guided the C.D. Howe Institute with intelligence, integrity, and a deep commitment to Canada’s future,” said Blake Goldring, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We look forward to his continued association with the Institute, and the Board is committed to the Institute’s further success under new leadership.” The Institute has retained Boyden to conduct a comprehensive search for its next Chief Executive Officer, ensuring a thoughtful and seamless transition.

Robson leaves a legacy of scholarship and leadership that has advanced the Institute’s national profile and influence. He has built a highly skilled leadership team, expanded the Institute’s reach across sectors and regions, and reinforced a culture of excellence and non-partisanship.

“The C.D. Howe Institute’s mission to advance Canada’s economic dynamism and prosperity is as relevant as ever, and the Institute’s capacity to offer insights and promote constructive policy discussion has never been greater,” said Robson. “It has been a privilege to work with such a talented, productive, and committed team. The Institute’s members and supporters, and its outstanding Board of Directors, will ensure that the Institute will contribute to Canada’s economic success for decades to come.”

For more information contact: Lauren Malyk, Manager, Communications, C.D. Howe Institute, 416-873-6168, lmalyk@cdhowe.org.

The C.D. Howe Institute is an independent not-for-profit research institute whose mission is to raise living standards by fostering economically sound public policies. Widely considered to be Canada’s most influential think tank, the Institute is a trusted source of essential policy intelligence, distinguished by research that is nonpartisan, evidence-based and subject to definitive expert review.

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