The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) has appointed David Lindsay as its next president and CEO.

In a release, the COU said that Mr. Lindsay, currently president and CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), will take up the position as of Jan. 1, 2016.

A graduate of Queen’s University (Com’81), Mr. Lindsay is also a fellow at the School of Policy Studies.

To his new role Mr. Lindsay brings a wealth of public policy experience and a proven track record in the leadership of public sector organizations, the release says.

Before joining the FPAC, Mr. Lindsay held deputy minister positions in the Government of Ontario in Energy and Infrastructure, Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, Natural Resources, and Tourism and Culture. Earlier in his career he served as president and CEO of Colleges Ontario and was the founding president of the Ontario SuperBuild Corporation responsible for infrastructure planning for the Ontario government from 1999 to 2003. He also was president and CEO of the Ontario Jobs and Investment Board from 1997 to 1999, and from 1995 to 1997 he served as principal secretary and chief of staff to the premier of Ontario.

“As an alumnus and a fellow of the School of Policy Studies, Queen’s University congratulates David Lindsay on his appointment as the next president and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities,” says Jill Scott, Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning). “We are certain that he will provide excellent leadership and guidance at a time when the province’s universities face both exciting opportunities and significant challenges.”

Mr. Lindsay will replace Bonnie Patterson, president and CEO of the COU for the past six years.