John Thompson ’60

John Thompson enjoyed a 36-year career with IBM, beginning as a systems engineer in 1966. He became president, CEO and chair of IBM Canada Ltd., and later Executive Vice-Chair and member of the Board of Directors of the worldwide IBM Corporation in New York. He was responsible for technology, research and development and corporate strategy.  

After retiring from IBM, John went on to serve as Chairman of the Board of TD Bank Financial Group.

While his résumé is filled with chairs and directorships, John always made time for UCC. He has served as a member of the UCC Board of Governors and as a member of the Principal’s Advisory Committee from 2007 to 2008 and the Campaign Leadership Council from 2010 to 2011. A huge supporter of UCC, John also assisted with enhancing IT capabilities at the College.

John has unselfishly given his time and counsel to other organizations as well. Among John’s past volunteer contributions are service as Chancellor of Western University, Vice-Chair and Trustee at SickKids Hospital, Vice-Chair of Royal Philips NV and directorships at Thomson Reuters, the Conference Board of Canada and the Business Council of Canada.

His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including induction as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2012 for his leadership in the information technology sector and for advancing research partnerships between industry and academia. He has also received honorary doctoral degrees from Western University and Wilfrid Laurier University.

While a student at UCC, John was a prefect, a championship swimmer, an active skier, and a football team member.