Jim Leech, QSB Advisory Board Chair and alum, named Queen’s Chancellor

October 18, 2013 – Kingston -  Jim Leech, MBA’73, was appointed Queen’s University’s 14th Chancellor, effective July 1, 2014, it was announced at the University Council meeting today. A longtime supporter of the business school, he has served as Chair of QSB’s Advisory Board since 2009 and is also a member of the school’s Global Council and Campaign Cabinet

Since 2007, he has served as President and CEO of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, where he oversees the management of $130 billion in assets, representing the pensions of 303,000 working and retired teachers. He previously served as President and CEO of Unicorp Canada Corporation and Union Energy Inc.

Mr. Leech has a long history of service to Queen’s, having served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1984 to 1996 and as a member of University Council from 1980 to 1984. He is currently a member of the university’s Initiative Campaign cabinet. In addition, he comes from a Queen’s family – his father was the registrar at Queen’s in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

“I know that Queen’s will benefit immensely from Chancellor-designate Leech’s extensive experience,” said Principal Daniel Woolf in announcing the appointment. “I feel fortunate that I will have the benefit of his wise counsel during my second term as Principal.”

Mr. Leech will succeed current Chancellor David Dodge, who announced in June that he would not seek a third term.