Source: Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

Appointments to the Board of Directors of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Dec. 9, 2015) - The Board of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada announces the appointment of Sandra Pupatello and Murad Al-Katib to the Board of Directors of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada), effective December 7, 2015.

Ms. Sandra Pupatello is the Strategic Advisor, Industry, Global Markets & Public Sector, with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Ms. Pupatello was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1995, was appointed to Cabinet in 2003, and served in the Legislative Assembly until 2011 as a member of the Ontario Liberal Party. She served most of her eight years in Cabinet as Minister of Industry and Trade, where she led trade delegations in most major markets around the world and provided steady leadership through a uniquely challenging economic climate.

In the private sector, Ms. Pupatello has worked with businesses throughout the supply network of most sectors, especially manufacturing, financial services, information communication technology, life sciences, aerospace, automotive and energy. Ms. Pupatello sits on the board of Martinrea International Inc., a global auto parts maker, and is the former Chair of Hydro One, Canada's largest transmission company. She resides in Toronto.

Mr. Murad Al-Katib is the President and CEO of Alliance Grain Traders Food and Ingredients Inc., serves on the Advisory Committee for the Review of the Canada Transportation Act for the Minister of Transport, and is the current Chair of the Regina Regional Opportunities Commission. Mr. Al-Katib has served on the boards of the Canadian Special Crops Association and Pulse Canada, and as Chair of the Advisory Board for Small and Medium Enterprise for the Canadian Minister of International Trade. He was also a panel member for the Government of Canada's renewal of Canada's Global Commerce Strategy.

In 2001, Mr. Al-Katib founded Saskcan Pulse Trading, providing the nucleus for AGT, today a world leading agri-food business with revenues exceeding $1.4 billion in 2014, customers in over 100 countries and with 41 manufacturing facilities on five continents. He is based in Regina.

APF Canada Board Chair Dr. David L. Emerson welcomed the new directors. "I am thrilled that we have been able to attract two top-tier Canadians to our Board, individuals who are well recognized as leaders in their fields," said Dr. Emerson. "I am confident that Murad will bring additional business acumen and Sandra unique political knowledge and insight to our strong team of Directors."

Added APF Canada President and CEO, Stewart Beck: "It is our Foundation's strategic imperative to assist Canada and Canadian businesses better and more fully engage with the dynamic and nuanced economies of the Asia Pacific. To achieve that objective we need to draw on the best and brightest from a multitude of Canadian disciplines and sectors. With the appointment of Sandra and Murad to our Board, we are well on our way."

About the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada:

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is a not-for-profit organization focused on Canada's relations with Asia. Our mission is to be Canada's catalyst for engagement with Asia and Asia's bridge to Canada.

A leader in research and analysis on Canada-Asia relations for over 30 years, APF Canada partners with government, business leaders, academics, and opinion makers in Canada and across the Asia Pacific region to offer clear, specific, and actionable policy advice.

Established by an Act of Parliament in 1984, APF Canada's thematic priorities include: promoting trade, investment, and innovation; mobilizing energy assets; building skills and competencies; and, understanding Asia now.

Visit APF Canada at www.asiapacific.ca

Contact Information:

Michael Roberts
Communications Manager
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
Office: 604-630-1527
michael.roberts@asiapacific.ca
www.asiapacific.ca