Ashwin Kutty Named Downtown Halifax Business Commission Board Chair
HALIFAX — WeUsThem president and CEO Ashwin Kutty is the new chair of the Downtown Halifax Business Commission’s (DHBC) board of directors.
He was officially named to the position at the organization’s annual general meeting on June 21.
Kutty has been recognized several times as Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs, has been the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, and has been named Canada’s Next Generation Executive Leader.
He has been a mentor to various young professionals, leading a signature event called AdFree30, providing organizations globally with free consultative advice, and is an active community volunteer.
Kutty also has a Bachelor’s degree in computer science from Dalhousie University, and three Masters degrees: an MBA from Purdue University, International Masters in Management from ESCP Europe, and a Masters in executive management for the Central European University.
“We are very lucky to have Ashwin coming in as Chair with his breadth of knowledge across many industries,” said Paul MacKinnon, DHBC’s CEO.
Kutty will also be the first person of colour to sit as the organization’s board chair in its 25-year history.
“Downtown Halifax serves as a huge economic driver for our Province, and we need to continue to build on the vibrancy we are known for. How this manifests itself in a new post-pandemic world is going to be the work ahead and I look forward to it,” says Kutty.
Kutty replaces the now-past chair, Christian Rankin, who co-owns Obladee Wine Bar.
DHBC also welcomed four new Board Members: Trish Calder, Barrington Consulting Group; Sally Christie, Halifax Regional Municipality; Raeesa Lalani, Prismatic Arts Festival; and Joe McGuinness, Legendary Hospitality.