Invest Toronto
Suite 901, 225 King St. W
Toronto, Ontario M5V 3V6
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News and Events
December 21, 2009
Invest Toronto board appoints new CEO
The Board of Directors for Invest Toronto today gave unanimous support to the appointment of Renato Discenza as the agency's Chief Executive Officer.
Renato brings the kind of skill, experience, talent and expertise Toronto needs to become an even more attractive and competitive city for businesses looking to invest, grow and prosper, said Mayor David Miller, Chair of the Invest Toronto board. Renato has keen business acumen in addition to public and private sector experience, having served recently in senior positions with Infrastructure Ontario and Bell Canada. He is well equipped to better connect Toronto to the global economy and ensure we succeed.
Invest Toronto will engage the private sector in promoting Toronto as a destination for business opportunities by organizing strategic trade missions and co-ordinating economic development initiatives with governments and business. Through enhanced foreign investment marketing efforts, it is anticipated that Invest Toronto will attract hundreds of new jobs and substantial new commercial development.
"Toronto is becoming the very definition of a global 21st century city: liveable, sustainable, progressive and inclusive, and I am excited to be able to help showcase our city and region to those businesses and individuals seeking to invest in the next global cultural, financial and social centre," said Discenza. "It is a privilege to be able to lead Invest Toronto at this truly exciting time for the city."
Discenza's appointment takes effect in mid-January.
For more information, visit http://www.investtoronto.ca/.
Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. 2009 marks the 175th anniversary of Toronto's incorporation as a city. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.
Media contact: Anne McLaughlin, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5707, amclaug@toronto.ca
Renato Discenza Biography
Renato Discenza has a background in both the private and the public sectors as a senior executive and leader with experience in public-private partnerships, sales, corporate functions, technology, operations and economic development. He was educated at the University of Toronto as an electrical engineer and received his MBA from York University.
Most recently as Senior Vice President of Technology and IT Projects at Infrastructure Ontario, Discenza was involved in creating public-private technology deals to enhance delivery of large public sector projects leveraging the skills and resources of the private sector. He worked extensively and successfully in bringing together government and the private sector to deliver projects that would benefit all Ontarians. He has served in an advisory capacity for initiatives at Metrolinx as well.
Discenza brings extensive private sector corporate experience from Bell Canada and AT&T Canada where he held several senior officer level functions in Business Sales, Wholesale, Operations, Customer Service, Capital Management, Engineering, Procurement and Supply Chain and Business Transformation.
Discenza has contributed extensively to both the business and broader communities, serving on the Board of Directors at Change Foundation and as Vice-Chair at the Windsor Airport (YQG Inc). He has previously served on the boards of Waterfront Toronto, the Credit Valley Board of Governors, Amtelecom Income Trust, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement of Central Ontario and other advisory boards. Discenza was also a board member and eventually Chairman at the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance. He has also been on the cabinet for United Way Toronto.
Discenza was recognized for his significant contribution to work and the community by receiving the Top 40 Under 40 Award.
Discenza has also been very active in the Toronto community through his work at Bell Canada as Ontarios Executive Sponsor, personally engaging in supporting initiatives such as the Mayors Community Safety Awards, the Bell Urban Art Award, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto Sledge Hockey for Bloorview Kids, ProAction Cops and Kids, the Canadian Paralympics, Kids Help Phone, United Way Toronto and many other community-based projects in Toronto and across Ontario.
