MaRS announced today that it has recently appointed four new members to its board of directors: Annette Verschuren, Michael Serbinis, Stefan Larson, and Martha Tory. Each an influencer in what MaRS calls emerging innovation economy, the new additions bring leadership to three specific sectors of focus for the innovation hub: health, cleantech, and ICT.
“The combined experience and networks of these new board members will complement the considerable expertise already on our board,” said Ilse Treurnicht, CEO of MaRS. “Our team will benefit immensely from their insights and connections to harness breakthrough ideas and effectively support promising young companies growing in global markets.”
While the new members will serve on the board of directors, they will also help MaRS in other ways. Tory, who recently retired from Ernst & Young LLP and is an expert in nonprofit finance and governance, will chair the board’s Audit, Finance, and Risk Committee. Verschuren, Serbinis, and Larson will serve as active members of cleantech, ICT, and health advisory groups respectively.
The advisory groups were created by MaRS Venture Services to focus on priority sectors, and provide strategic guidance on MaRS’ growth with high-growth and high-impact firms.
“I’m pleased to be working with MaRS’ leadership team to build on current programs and services for ICT startups, and advise on strategies to help our ventures continue to grow globally from what is the largest urban tech centre in North America,” said Michael Serbinis, CEO of LEAGUE and founder of Kobo.