Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has 10 executives leading key functions including policy development, economic analysis, regulatory oversight, and strategic innovation initiatives.

Committed to fostering a competitive knowledge-based economy, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada drives sustainable growth through targeted investments and robust regulatory frameworks across the Canadian landscape.

Leadership Roles at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

  • Deputy Director - Simon Bé
  • Deputy Director - James Souliere
  • Deputy Director - Saina Saberian
  • Deputy Director - Lauren Hutt
  • Deputy Director - Shannon Humphreys
  • Deputy Director - Jennifer Leblanc
  • Deputy Director - Matt Baglole
  • Deputy Director - Erika Mallett
  • Deputy Director - Rita Davie
  • Deputy Director - Todd Crawford
  • Simon Bé - Deputy Director

    Simon Bé, the Deputy Director at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, manages complex policy frameworks designed to stimulate national industrial growth. Overseeing the integration of advanced research into market-ready applications, the Deputy Director ensures alignment with federal economic mandates. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Canadian firms within global markets. By analyzing emerging technological trends, Simon Bé identifies critical opportunities for government intervention and support. The Deputy Director maintains rigorous standards for program evaluation, ensuring that public investments yield measurable economic benefits. Through consistent engagement with industry stakeholders, the Deputy Director facilitates a collaborative environment that promotes innovation. Ultimately, the Deputy Director secures the long-term viability of domestic sectors by implementing strategic initiatives that address evolving market demands and strengthen the overall knowledge-based economy.

    James Souliere - Deputy Director

    James Souliere, the Deputy Director at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, directs the operational execution of regional economic development programs. Focusing on the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises, the Deputy Director architects scalable support systems that drive productivity across diverse provinces. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with provincial partners to ensure the effective deployment of federal resources. By optimizing internal processes, James Souliere improves the efficiency of grant administration and business advisory services. The Deputy Director monitors performance metrics to guarantee that regional initiatives meet established growth targets. Through the implementation of data-driven strategies, the Deputy Director fosters a resilient business climate capable of weathering economic fluctuations. Ultimately, the Deputy Director strengthens the national economic fabric by empowering local entrepreneurs and facilitating access to essential capital and technical expertise.

    Saina Saberian - Deputy Director

    Saina Saberian, the Deputy Director at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, oversees the strategic development of digital infrastructure policies. Managing the transition toward a more connected economy, the Deputy Director ensures that high-speed internet access reaches underserved rural and remote regions. This leadership role involves negotiating complex regulatory agreements with telecommunications providers to expand network capacity. By evaluating the impact of digital transformation on traditional industries, Saina Saberian identifies pathways for modernization and increased efficiency. The Deputy Director coordinates with technical experts to establish standards that protect consumer interests while encouraging private sector investment. Through the oversight of large-scale infrastructure projects, the Deputy Director accelerates the adoption of digital tools across the Canadian workforce. Ultimately, the Deputy Director builds a foundation for future economic prosperity by bridging the digital divide and enhancing national connectivity.

    Lauren Hutt - Deputy Director

    Lauren Hutt, the Deputy Director at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, leads the department's efforts in sustainable development and green technology adoption. Architecting initiatives that align industrial output with environmental goals, the Deputy Director promotes the transition to a low-carbon economy. This leadership role involves evaluating the feasibility of clean energy projects and providing guidance to firms seeking to reduce their ecological footprint. By fostering partnerships between academic institutions and private industry, Lauren Hutt accelerates the commercialization of sustainable innovations. The Deputy Director monitors regulatory compliance to ensure that economic growth remains consistent with national climate commitments. Through the strategic allocation of funding, the Deputy Director supports the development of cutting-edge technologies that position Canada as a global leader in green manufacturing. Ultimately, the Deputy Director drives long-term economic resilience by integrating environmental stewardship into the core of industrial policy.

    Shannon Humphreys - Deputy Director

    Shannon Humphreys, the Deputy Director at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, manages the intellectual property and innovation strategy portfolio. Overseeing the modernization of patent and trademark systems, the Deputy Director ensures that creators and inventors receive robust protection for their intellectual assets. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative procedures to reduce barriers for startups and research organizations. By analyzing global intellectual property trends, Shannon Humphreys develops policies that encourage domestic innovation while maintaining international standards. The Deputy Director collaborates with legal experts to refine regulatory frameworks that govern the commercialization of new ideas. Through the promotion of intellectual property awareness, the Deputy Director empowers Canadian businesses to leverage their intangible assets for competitive advantage. Ultimately, the Deputy Director fosters a culture of creativity and investment by providing a secure and efficient environment for the development of groundbreaking technologies.

    Jennifer Leblanc - Deputy Director

    Jennifer Leblanc, the Deputy Director at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, directs the department's international trade and investment outreach. Focusing on the attraction of foreign direct investment, the Deputy Director architects strategies that highlight Canada's unique value proposition to global investors. This leadership role involves coordinating with trade commissioners to identify high-growth sectors suitable for international collaboration. By analyzing global market dynamics, Jennifer Leblanc develops initiatives that facilitate the entry of Canadian products into foreign markets. The Deputy Director monitors trade agreements to ensure that domestic industries benefit from expanded access and reduced barriers. Through the management of international partnerships, the Deputy Director enhances the global competitiveness of the Canadian economy. Ultimately, the Deputy Director drives economic expansion by positioning the nation as a premier destination for investment and a reliable partner in the global supply chain.

    Matt Baglole - Deputy Director

    Matt Baglole, the Deputy Director at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, oversees the development of advanced manufacturing policies. Architecting programs that support the adoption of automation and robotics, the Deputy Director ensures that domestic manufacturers remain competitive in an increasingly digitized global market. This leadership role involves assessing the technological needs of the manufacturing sector and providing targeted support for facility upgrades. By facilitating connections between technology providers and industrial users, Matt Baglole accelerates the implementation of Industry 4.0 solutions. The Deputy Director monitors productivity metrics to evaluate the success of manufacturing support initiatives. Through the strategic alignment of training programs with technological advancements, the Deputy Director prepares the workforce for the future of production. Ultimately, the Deputy Director strengthens the national industrial base by fostering a high-tech manufacturing ecosystem that drives innovation and creates high-quality employment opportunities.

    Erika Mallett - Deputy Director

    Erika Mallett, the Deputy Director at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, manages the department's corporate governance and internal policy alignment. Overseeing the implementation of organizational standards, the Deputy Director ensures that all departmental activities adhere to federal transparency and accountability requirements. This leadership role involves coordinating with executive leadership to refine internal processes and improve operational efficiency. By analyzing organizational performance, Erika Mallett identifies areas for improvement and implements strategic changes that enhance service delivery. The Deputy Director facilitates communication across various divisions to ensure a unified approach to policy execution. Through the management of internal resources, the Deputy Director supports the achievement of broader departmental objectives. Ultimately, the Deputy Director maintains the integrity and effectiveness of the organization by fostering a culture of excellence and ensuring that all operations align with the core mission of supporting the Canadian economy.

    Rita Davie - Deputy Director

    Rita Davie, the Deputy Director at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, directs the department's consumer protection and marketplace framework initiatives. Focusing on the development of fair trade practices, the Deputy Director architects policies that safeguard consumer rights while promoting a transparent business environment. This leadership role involves monitoring marketplace trends to identify potential risks and implementing regulatory measures to mitigate them. By collaborating with industry associations and consumer advocacy groups, Rita Davie ensures that policies reflect the needs of all stakeholders. The Deputy Director oversees the enforcement of marketplace regulations to maintain public trust and confidence in the economy. Through the implementation of educational programs, the Deputy Director empowers consumers to make informed decisions. Ultimately, the Deputy Director fosters a healthy and competitive marketplace by establishing clear rules that protect participants and encourage ethical business conduct across the country.

    Todd Crawford - Deputy Director

    Todd Crawford, the Deputy Director at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, oversees the department's science and research funding programs. Architecting strategies that support fundamental and applied research, the Deputy Director ensures that Canadian scientists have the resources necessary to push the boundaries of knowledge. This leadership role involves managing grant allocation processes and evaluating the impact of research investments on national innovation goals. By fostering collaboration between government laboratories and private sector researchers, Todd Crawford accelerates the translation of scientific discoveries into practical solutions. The Deputy Director monitors the progress of research projects to ensure that public funding supports high-impact outcomes. Through the promotion of scientific excellence, the Deputy Director strengthens the national research ecosystem. Ultimately, the Deputy Director drives long-term economic growth by investing in the foundational science that fuels future technological breakthroughs and societal progress.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada?
    Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is led by Simon Bé (Deputy Director), along with executives such as James Souliere (Deputy Director) and Saina Saberian (Deputy Director).
    Who is part of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s executive team?
    The executive team of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada includes leaders such as Simon Bé (Deputy Director), James Souliere (Deputy Director), Saina Saberian (Deputy Director) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada have?
    Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada includes roles such as Deputy Director, Deputy Director, Deputy Director, Deputy Director, Deputy Director.