Ken Smithard - Experienced Cable Operations Leader in Canada

Ken Smithard spent nearly 25 years working in Canada’s cable operations sector. He joined Cogeco Connexion in 1999, ultimately advancing to the position of president and chief executive officer. During his tenure with the company, he served Cogeco in many areas, including marketing and sales, organizational performance, process improvement, and information technology. While leading Cogeco’s management team, Ken Smithard emphasized strategic planning and performance, in addition to serving as a project manager.

Throughout his career, Ken Smithard has performed extensive charity work. Over the last decade, he has spent thousands of hours as a member of various non-profit boards, ranging from roles with the Burlington Chamber of Commerce to the Burlington Performing Arts Center, which he chaired. He also chaired the United Way’s fundraising projects in the Halton region.

Mr. Smithard began a doctoral program with the Faculty of Economics and Business in Osijek at J.J. Strossmayer University in 2023. He has written several papers about innovation and gross domestic product growth in Canada. He holds a commerce degree from McGill University and a master of business administration from Concordia University.