London Economic Development Corporation
380 Wellington Street, Suite 701
London Ontario Canada N6A 5B5
Phone
(519)-661-4545
Toll Free
(800)-327-2428
Fax
(519)-661-5331
Email
moc.cdel@ofni
380 Wellington Street, Suite 701
London Ontario Canada N6A 5B5
Phone
(519)-661-4545
Toll Free
(800)-327-2428
Fax
(519)-661-5331
Email
moc.cdel@ofni
Kapil Lakhotia, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the London Economic Development Corporation, provides leadership on infrastructure improvements, workforce and talent development, along with other vital elements of economic prosperity within the London, Ontario community. Lakhotia led the LEDC’s investment attraction portfolio for over 10 years prior to his appointment of President in 2014.
Under his direction, the LEDC has implemented a new strategic plan with a stronger focus on economic factors like improving the entrepreneurial climate in London, as well as launching a number of new initiatives and forming local, national, and international partnerships that drive London forward.
Lakhotia’s efforts have resulted in significant new investments and job creation in London through the attraction of well-established businesses, including Dr. Oetker, Arvin Sango, the Original Cakerie, and Natra.
With an Honours degree in Economics from Western University and a Masters of Economics from the University of Waterloo, Lakhotia has over two decades of educational, professional, and voluntary experience, and also taught economics at King’s University College (2005-2010). Lakhotia is deeply involved in the London community as a member on the Fanshawe College Board of Governors, the King’s University College Board of Directors, and the London Children’s Museum Advisory Committee.
Jack Adams, Manager, Business Growth and Retention. With past work experience in the software, electricity, and forestry industries, Jack joined the LEDC in January 2012 while completing a postgraduate degree in public relations at Western University. Jack provides Growth & Retention support to local business and industry research for LEDC initiatives. When not researching economic development, Jack enjoys cooking, fishing, film, gaming, and sports.
Candace Campbell joined the LEDC in January 2016 as the Business Development Coordinator. Candace assists the business growth and retention efforts of LEDC through research and special project management.
Candace has an Honours Specialization in English Language and Literature, and a post-graduate diploma in Public Relations and Communications from Western University.
Candace has volunteered with the London Business Hall of Fame as a Committee Member with Junior Achievement of London and District and actively sits on the Southwestern Ontario Board of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME),serving as Communications Assistant. Candace is the Communications/Events Chair of Women in Communications & Tech - London.
Candace is proud of her small town roots and in her spare time enjoys adventurous outdoor activities.
Robert Collins, Director, Workforce Development, brings significant experience from senior roles in provincial and municipal governments in South Western Ontario to this portfolio. More recently he was Vice President of Workforce Development for a leading community employment agency. Robert is active in a number of initiatives designed to address the anticipated labour market shortages and close the gaps between supply and demand - an identified cornerstone of community economic resilience and sustainability.
Robert has taken a leading role in the development of a number of broad based collaborative initiatives (Employment Sector Council of London and Middlesex, United Way’s Young Leaders of Tomorrow, Founder’s Day of the University of Western Ontario among many).
Robert has made full use of London’s fine educational opportunities graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Teacher’s College and Fanshawe College after originally coming from London, England.
Robert continues to be an active volunteer and is currently a member of Western University’s Senate
Ashley has a strong background in strategic communications planning and execution, as well as media, stakeholder community and government relations. Ashley brings a wealth of experience from over a decade of working in provincial politics where she held a number of positions including, Chief of Staff for the MPP of London West and Senior Advisor to the Minister of Energy at Queens Park.
Ashley has a passion for building relationships, and facilitating effective partnerships. Ashley has taken on a number of other challenging projects in both independent consulting, as well as in roles of Community Relations and Government Relations at Western University. Ashley sits on the board of directors for the Children’s Aid Society London & Middlesex, and is a Trustee on the Brescia University College Board of Trustees.
Rachael Courtemanche is responsible for crafting content that helps share London’s story locally, nationally, and globally. Through content creation, social media management, and communications strategies, Rachael helps the LEDC raise London’s profile.
A graduate of both Fanshawe College (2013) and Western University (2016), Rachael most recently completed an Honors Specialization in English Language and Literature and Creative Writing. Rachael is equipped with a wealth of education and experience, providing a unique voice that is captured in various projects.
Passionate about building relationships, Rachael volunteers as a mentor through the Fanshawe College Larry Myny Mentorship Program, as well as a content contributor for Western University’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
Larry is responsible for Business Development at the LEDC, including the attraction of new investment and supporting both high-growth, early-stage companies as well as existing companies, within the manufacturing, food processing, building products, financial services, life sciences, and digital creative sectors. Larry works closely with all levels of government and partner organizations supporting these sectors.
Larry is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and has been a Western University and Fanshawe College instructor in Entrepreneurship and Marketing Research Methods. Larry is Past Chair of the Brescia University College Board of Trustee and participates in several community-building initiatives.
Brittany Medeiros, Manager, Business Development, working with the Digital Media and Technology Industries. I have worked with companies from venture / startups in ideation stages to scale ups and large enterprises. My portfolio now consists of working with over 300+ Digital Creative companies, where I consult with the company to identify needs at all stages and use creative problem solving to come up with solutions for appropriate connections or resources. I also work with foreign direct investment (FDI) and helping companies understand why Ontario, Canada and London is a great place to start and grow their business.
I’m also a community builder, in the past 5 years I have been directly involved with 30+ events in the community.
I’m passionate about people and I’m happy to help where I can.
Katie Wilhelm is the Marketing and Design Specialist responsible for bringing the local and global communications of the London Economic Development Corporation to life.
A graduate of the Graphic Design program at Fanshawe College in London, Katie contributes a wealth of education and experience in corporate branding coupled with an innate artistic creativity that shines through the LEDC’s various projects.
An art enthusiast and community builder, Katie has been involved in the creative cultural sector as event organizer, consultant and entrepreneur professionally since 2009. Katie continues to volunteer with individual artists and collaborative organizations to see the continued growth of London’s arts and culture sectors.
With a passion for digital creative and technology industries, Katie sits as an active member and as Board President of LondonFuse New Media Collective.
Katie is a Certified Registered Graphic Designer (RGD) with the Association of Registered Graphic Designers.
Katie is a proud band member of the Chippewas of Nawash unceded first nation (Neyaashiinigmiing).
Sandra Zarate has strong analytical skills in addition to knowledge of database software and business intelligence systems. She oversees the performance of the CRM software, as well as the database of the Business Directory to ensure their accuracy and integrity with other data sources.
Originally from Colombia, Sandra is fluent in English and Spanish and prior to moving to Canada, she achieved her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a specialization in Marketing. Sandra continued her education through CE at Fanshawe College, receiving certificates in Office Administration and Marketing.
Ashley Conyngham
Director, Marketing and Communications