The C.D. Howe Institute today announced that William B.P. Robson will succeed Jack Mintz as its president and chief executive officer, effective July 1.

Mintz is stepping down after seven years in the position. Robson becomes president and CEO for a five-year appointment after serving as its senior vice president and director of research. He joined the think tank in 1988. Robson currently chairs the Institute’s Monetary Policy Council, and also serves as Canadian Liaison Officer with the British-North American Committee.

Robson was selected by the board after an international search. “Bill Robson is an outstanding leader and accomplished policy thinker with numerous research awards to his credit. There were many outstanding candidates; however, the board unanimously felt Bill was ideally positioned to continue and enhance the independence and quality of the Institute’s work,” said chairman Tim Hearn.

“The board of directors is extremely grateful for the hard work and outstanding contribution of outgoing president Jack Mintz, who has done so much to enhance policy debate in Canada. We look forward to continuing that tradition under the able leadership and direction of our new president and CEO,” Hearn added.

Robson has a BA from the University of Toronto and an MA from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University. Before joining the C.D. Howe Institute, he was an economist with CIBC/Wood Gundy and the federal Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. He taught Canadian public finance at the University of Toronto from 2000 to 2003.