James Smith, MBA - CEO - BBB Western Ontario (BBB Western Ont)
The Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Ontario is pleased to announce the appointment of James Smith as their new Chief Executive Officer. The BBB Western Ontario serves Chatham-Kent, Elgin, Windsor-Essex, Huron, Sarnia-Lambton, London-Middlesex, Oxford, and Norfolk counties.
James joins BBB Western Ontario with a distinguished career spanning senior leadership roles in business, agribusiness, academic and hospitality sectors. He brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, academic excellence, and community engagement, which will be invaluable in advancing the BBB's mission of fostering an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust each other.
Throughout his career, James has demonstrated a proven ability to drive strategic planning, enhance academic quality, manage complex financial operations, and build strong, collaborative teams. He has a remarkable track record of developing industry partnerships, fostering community organizations, and cultivating professional networks. His experience in managing significant budgets, leading large-scale projects, and developing innovative programs aligns perfectly with the BBB's commitment to growth and service excellence.
"We are thrilled to welcome James Smith to the BBB Serving Western Ontario," said Katherine Englander, Chair of the BBB Western Ontario Board of Directors. "His exceptional leadership skills, deep understanding of diverse stakeholders, and dedication to fostering trust and integrity make him the ideal candidate to lead our organization into its next chapter. We are confident that under his guidance, the BBB will continue to be a vital resource for businesses and consumers across Western Ontario."
James holds an MBA specializing in Hospitality and Tourism from the University of Guelph. His commitment to the community is evident through his volunteer work, including serving on a Volunteer Board of Directors for a not-for-profit and collaborating and volunteering on family cancer support community projects.
"I am honoured and excited to take on the role of CEO for the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Ontario," said James Smith. "The BBB plays a crucial role in building trust and promoting ethical practices within our business community. I look forward to working with the dedicated team, our accredited businesses, and consumers to further strengthen the marketplace and ensure a fair and trustworthy environment for everyone."