Speaker

George Soleas is President & Chief Executive Officer of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), one of the world’s largest retailers of beverage alcohol. He joined the LCBO in 1997 as Director of Quality Assurance after serving more than 11 years with the Canadian wine industry, taking on progressively senior leadership positions until he was named President & Chief Executive Officer in 2016.   George’s diverse education includes a BSc from McMaster University, a MSc and PhD from the University of Toronto, a diploma in Oenology from U.C. Davis, as well as a Masters Certificate in Supply Chain and Logistics Management from the Schulich School of Business. He remains committed to higher education through professional affiliations with McMaster University, Brock University, and the University of Guelph. George completed executive training through the New CEO Workshop at Harvard Business School, the Breakthrough Program for Senior Executives at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, the Rotman Institute of Corporate Directors program and received his ICD.D designation.  His widely published research focuses primarily on the biochemical aspects of beverage alcohol constituents and their effects on humans.    George was recognized for successful leadership, driving innovation, and strong community commitment with the 2024 Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year Award by the Retail Council of Canada. He is also the recipient of such awards as the Ontario Imported Wine-Spirits-Beer Association’s Industry Partnership Award, the Greek Wine Industry Award, the McMaster Alumni Gallery Award. He was inducted with the rank of Honorary Confrade into the Confraria do Vinho do Porto (Port Wine Brotherhood) and appointed to the Jurade de Saint Emilion, Chevaliers du Tastevin, and the Keepers of the Quaich.  Board memberships include the Retail Council of Canada.