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TBI wishes outgoing president Grant Tipler continued success

This month marked the end of an era here at The Biotechnology Initiative, with Grant Tipler stepping down from the board of directors, and more importantly as President of TBI.

During his three years as president and eight years on the board, Tipler helped transform the organization while expanding its presence across Ontario. He oversaw many milestones, including the launch of Research to Revenue and the transformation of the TBI’s brand name from what it was before: The Toronto Biotechnology Initiative into the The Biotechnology Initiative. During his tenure TBI has also achieved dramatic growth and become more of a regional organization.

“By reaching out to locations such as Peterborough, Hamilton and Guelph, he has credibly extended the reach, profile and influence of TBI in ways that had not previously happened. In addition to pharma, his recognition of the importance of the agriculture, food, health and bio-economy opportunities for the province has helped position Ontario to lead in the development of world class technologies, emerging companies and increased economic potential for the province,” said TBI board member John Kelly

His passion and dedication to the success of Ontario's biotechnology industry were among the characteristics that many in TBI will remember about Tipler, including Karen Atkinson.

"His integrity and compassion while at the helm of TBI was unfaltering. His open communication style and refreshing common sensibilities to issues facing the life sciences industry made TBI a networking hub for the GTA and a sought after voice for the community. Those who follow definitely have large shoes to fill," states Anita Nador.

Almost always present at the TBI breakfast series Tipler has promoted the education and development of young professionals in the industry. He has also served as the master of ceremony at numerous President Award’s galas and TBI events

“He has also been a great person to bounce ideas off when it comes to development of new concepts, opportunities, events and business,” stated John Kelly. “He is always keen to meet new people, and to bring diverse communities together. This is exemplified through the makeup of the Board of Directors for TBI, where you have pharmaceutical, agriculture, health, bio-economy and support organizations all working cohesively towards improving the state of Ontario’s life science sector. Above all, Grant is very personable and a dynamic leader. Grant is a driver with a vision of how Ontario could be in the future, and for me, has been a pleasure to work with.”

As for stepping out of the limelight, Tipler felt it was time to bring in some new blood and new ideas. He admits he will miss it, but he takes with him many memories.

“To be a banker who was allowed into the industry, able to be part of it and lend my support and in the end accepted and recognized by peers has been a huge honour. I’ve learned a lot, whether it’s about public policy, industry issues, I can directly relate it all to other relationships with my clients at the Royal Bank,” said Tipler who is also the head of the Life Sciences and Health Service team of the Knowledge Based Industry group at RBC Royal Bank.

Overall he is proud about what he has accomplished while with TBI, and happy to have served as its president.

“It’s really been fun to watch some of the things I’ve worked on move ahead and happen. As a leader, trying to learn how to motivate volunteers, it’s about working together and not letting each other down. Have I grown over the last couple years? Yes, no question.
When I joined TBI 12 years ago I never though I would be its president. Some of the things I’m most proud of, Research to Revenue was one of those first things that even before I was President that we got off the ground, and it was fun to watch that grow and blossom. But my greatest success at TBI is the people I got to work with, the fabulous friends I made. When you get to work with people at that kind level over a length of time you build some friendships. For this reason more then any other, TBI is something that remains in my heart. ”

In recognition for all that he has done, TBI has made Grant a member for life.