January 25, 2021 – Ottawa – Canadian General (Retired) Rick Hillier will lead KWESST Micro Systems Inc.’s new International Advisory Council, which will provide guidance to the company on its strategic build-out on a global scale.
General Hillier served as Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) from February 4, 2005, to July 1, 2008. He is noted for “getting stuff done” and was instrumental in securing additional funding and modernized equipment for the Canadian military in support of Canada’s mission in Afghanistan. In November 2020, Ontario Premier Doug Ford appointed General Hillier to oversee the province’s vaccination task-force in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
KWESST Executive Chairman, David Luxton, commented that, “We are delighted and honoured that General Hillier, one of Canada’s most revered and universally respected Chiefs of Defence Staffs, has accepted this lead advisory role at KWESST, and we look forward to his wise counsel.”
General Hillier added, “I have always been impressed at how our home-grown Canadian defence technology companies have stepped up to support our troops with critical, world-class capability, just as our servicemen and women have always impressed by punching above their weight, something I remain immensely proud of. KWESST’s mission to improve soldier safety and effectiveness through unique, advanced technology is exactly the kind of thing we need to sustain here at home, now more than ever, and I’m pleased to still be ‘in the fight’ with strategic advice to KWESST.”
The company stated that, in consultation with General Hillier, it intends to announce other notable members of the International Advisory Council in the coming weeks.
