Ontario Research and Innovation Optical Network (ORION), has appointed e-business entrepreneur David Koa as senior director of partnerships and strategic alliances.
Koa, who has a long track record in forging collaboration and strategic partnerships, will lead the development of a new department that will focus on building strategic alliances with key organizations.
“This is a key position in helping us move to the next level as critical innovation infrastructure for Ontario,” said ORION president & CEO Phil Baker. “David will lead this new unit and help build our business and value-add for our connected institutions and organizations, and the researchers, educators and learners associated with them.”
“I am eager to begin working with ORION’s existing stakeholders and exploring new partnerships and collaboration opportunities with other organizations geared to research, innovation and education,” said Koa.
Koa’s priorities in the next few months will include meeting with key ORION stakeholders and prospective members to better understand their requirements; building the partnerships and strategic alliances department with new staff; and prioritizing new services to the existing portfolio.
Previously, Koa was general manager for Interactive Media at Axia NetMedia, vice-president of marketing and sales at e-Route Inc., and chief operating officer for a TSX listed company selling technology to the North American logistics industry.