
Michael H. Williams
General Manager City of Toronto, Economic Development & Culture Division
- Toronto ON
Social
Biography
Michael previously worked as Assistant Regional Director at Statistics Canada, a Principal at Woods Gordon, and President of Compusearch. He was also Senior Vice President International for R.L. Polk, a multinational information and marketing company, where he was based out of the UK and responsible for Europe, South America and Australasia. He has conducted numerous economic development consulting assignments for municipal and provincial governments and agencies, and has served on the boards of the Toronto Board of Trade and Dixon Hall. Michael has also been involved with the creation of a variety of cluster building strategies and action plans, including greentech, digital media, advanced manufacturing, bio life sciences and ICT.
Michael has a B.A.(Hons) in Economics and Geography, an M.A. in Urban Geography from Queen's University, and is a Certified Management Consultant.
Industry Expertise
Areas of Expertise
Accomplishments
Board Member - Build Toronto
Build Toronto is Toronto's innovative real estate and development corporation. Build Toronto will generate revenues for the City by maximizing the value and economic development potential of properties under its management.
Build Toronto acts as a catalyst for the development of infrastructure and sustainable services in Toronto while stimulating the creation of jobs, regenerating neighbourhoods, and undertaking high quality, environmentally sustainable developments.
Board Member - Invest Toronto
Invest Toronto is the primary business, sales and marketing corporation for the City of Toronto. The Corporation helps companies access the markets, talent and business resources of Canada's largest city.
Invest Toronto caters to businesses of all sizes looking to start a new business in Toronto or further service the North American market from Toronto. The Corporation provides a concierge service to help guide businesses through all stages of the decision making process.
Board Member - Toronto Port Lands Company
Toronto Port Lands Company (TPLC) is the largest property owner in the port lands, an industrial, new-media, office and recreational neighbourhood located a few kilometers south-east of Toronto’s downtown core.
Our primary business is to manage and lease over 400 acres of property in our portfolio while providing environmental stewardship and direction for redevelopment in the port land area.
Board Member - Toronto Financial Services Alliance
The Toronto Financial Services Alliance (TFSA) is a unique public / private initiative of individuals representing the financial services industry and its trade associations, all levels of government and academic institutions. Its mandate is to enhance and promote the competitiveness of Toronto as a premier North American financial services centre.
Education
Queen's University
M.A.
Urban Geography
Canadian Association of Managment Consultants
Certified Management Consultant
1995
Queen's University
B.A. (Honours)
Economics and Geography
Event Appearances
Engaging International, National & Regional Governments in Local Workforce Development
Job Creation and Workforce Development Summit Columbia University
2009-06-25
Availability
- Keynote
- Moderator
- Panelist
- Workshop Leader
- Host/MC