Ian Telfer

Ian Telfer is a highly regarded executive in the Canadian mining sector. His reputation for building and growing a variety of companies spans more than 30 years and has earned him a number of prestigious accolades.

Born in Oxford, England, Ian was raised in Canada and received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Toronto. Ian then went on to earn his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa.

Ian is the former Chairman of the Board of Goldcorp Inc. which was Canada’s leading gold producer, employing over 15,000 staff around the world prior to being acquired by Newmont for $15 billion earlier this year.

In 2009, Ian Telfer was given the honour of serving as Chairman of the World Gold Council, a position he served until 2013.

Ian has been called a visionary mining entrepreneur for his ability to establish and lead a series of successful companies through strategically-timed acquisitions and value-driven mergers. The companies Ian has founded and led have experienced widespread success and include TVX Gold, Wheaton River -- which later merged with Goldcorp -- Silver Wheaton, Terrane Minerals and Uranium One. Thanks in part to Ian’s business acumen and resourcefulness, these companies have reached a combined market capitalization of more than $50 billion at their peak.

Aside from his executive responsibilities, Ian Telfer is also a Fellow in the Institute of Chartered Accountants and is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors, as well as a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.

In 2007, the University of Ottawa named its School of Management in Ian’s honour after he made a substantial donation to the school. Ian’s $25 million dollar donation to the University remains the largest individual donation made to a business school in Canadian history.

Ian is also a continued supporter of the Adoptive Families Association of BC.

Ian was inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame for his long-spanning career and service in the mining sector. He was also inducted into the Business Laureates of British Columbia (BLBC) Hall of Fame for his business accomplishment and philanthropic endeavors.