David Podruzny, CIAC’s VP of Business and Economics, retires after 25 years

November 01, 2018

After nearly 25 years of dedicated service to the Canadian chemistry industry, David Podruzny, CIAC’s VP of Business and Economics, will retire at the end of this year.

Many who worked with Mr. Podruzny over the years, including former CIAC President and CEOs, Richard Paton and Jean Bélanger, gathered in Ottawa on October 18 to wish Mr. Podruzny well in his retirement.

Mr. Podruzny came to CIAC’s Business and Economics team in August 1994, on secondment from Industry Canada where he was Director of Chemicals.  Before that, in 1979, he had joined the federal Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce – now ISED – where he participated in the Canada-U.S. Free Trade negotiations, the GATT Uruguay Roundtable negotiations, and served as a member of Canada’s Energy and Petrochemicals negotiating team during the North American Free Trade Negotiations.

“Ever since, David has been passionate and knowledgeable on all matters trade. Never was this more apparent, or more in need, than in this past year of negotiations on the new United States–Mexico–Canada trade agreement,” said Bob Masterson, President and CEO of CIAC.

In addition to becoming Vice-President and leading CIAC’s advocacy efforts on tax, trade, investment and competitiveness, Mr. Podruzny has also served as secretary to CIAC’s Board of Directors since 2003.

“We appreciate everything you have contributed to the global chemistry industry, our national industry, this Association and its members and each of us as your peers and colleagues,” said Mr. Masterson.

“Since I arrived here nearly nine years ago, David has been a tremendous friend and thoughtful colleague. He has been patient and supportive. It has been a pleasure and honor to work alongside him.”

We wish David all the best in his retirement.