Toronto, October 24, 2024 – R-LABS is pleased to welcome Giles Gherson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Region Board of Trade (the Board) to the R-LABS Innovation + Technology (I+T) Council. The I+T Council continues to advance Industry Innovation, bringing together industry leaders to set the annual Industry Innovation Agenda in the real estate sector and help drive action, with a focus in 2025 in the industrialization of housing. The Board joins the other esteemed organizations, including HICC, RESCON, BILD, REALPAC, TRREB, Infrastructure Ontario, York University Development Corporation, Great Vancouver Realtors (GVR), Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation, CAGBC and CreateTO.
The Board is committed to fostering the growth and competitiveness of the region and connects organizations with key resources, networks, and influences policy to drive innovation. With a mission to strengthen Toronto’s global standing, this engagement with R-LABS will align efforts to bring new solutions to the real estate and housing challenges which directly improve the productivity of the regional economy.
“We are in the early-stage formation of a Global Cluster of Innovation in Real Estate and Housing” said George Carras, CEO, R-LABS. “Giles’ deep experience in public policy and economic development, together with his passion for innovation and connecting the broader business community are coming at the right time. Our biggest problems are our greatest opportunities and Giles sees that.”
“I’m looking forward to tackling one of our region’s most urgent issues, our housing affordability crisis, alongside industry leaders, innovators and investors,” said Giles Gherson, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade. “This challenge directly impacts Toronto’s ability to retain talent and remain economically competitive. Solving it demands innovative solutions and strong collaboration between government, policymakers, and the private sector.”
Giles has more than 25 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, including 15 years with the Province of Ontario, where he held several key Deputy Minister roles, most notably in Economic Development. During his time in government, he was instrumental in launching Invest Ontario and IP Ontario, while driving investments in technology and manufacturing, including electric vehicle initiatives.
Giles’ expertise and leadership will be invaluable to the I+T Council as we advance innovation and tackle critical industry challenges.
For more information about Toronto Region Board of Trade, please visit www.bot.com.
For more information about R-LABS, please visit www.rlabs.ca or contact [email protected].