December 6, 2023 – General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier has joined the Board of Directors of KWESST Micro Systems and will chair the company’s Strategic Planning Committee, following the retirement of Jeff McLeod.
General Hillier previously served as international advisor to KWESST.
“I’m excited to play a more active role at KWESST,” said General Hillier, “especially with the diverse set of opportunities KWESST is pursuing and its proven ability to win big defence programs, like the $136M DSEF program with its joint venture partners. I believe KWESST is well positioned for more big defence program wins, and that the public safety offerings the company is rolling out can provide substantial upside.”
“General Hillier is known as a ‘general’s general’, and is highly regarded in the military community internationally,” said David Luxton, KWESST Executive Chairman. “He chairs the Strategic Advisory Council to Ukrainian President Zelensky, which includes notable generals and senior officers from the U.S. and other countries.”
“We know that General Hillier is selective about how he commits his time and efforts,” added Luxton, “so it says a great deal that he has committed to KWESST in this way, and we are honoured and privileged to have him more actively involved in shaping the global-build out of the business.”
As the former Canadian Chief of the Defence Staff, General Hillier held Canada’s highest-ranking position in the Canadian Forces from February 4, 2005, to July 1, 2008. Among his many military career highlights, he oversaw Canada’s mission in Afghanistan and was a strong and effective advocate for modernized equipment in support of the mission.
