London Economic Development Corporation
380 Wellington Street, Suite 701
London Ontario Canada N6A 5B5
380 Wellington Street, Suite 701
London Ontario Canada N6A 5B5
An Economist by training, Kapil Lakhotia is the President and CEO of the London Economic Development Corporation. Under his direction, the LEDC has implemented a bold new strategic plan with a strong focus on workforce development, entrepreneurship as well as forming local, national, and international partnerships that drive London forward.
Kapil’s efforts have resulted in significant new investments and job creation through the attraction of well known 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, Kapil has over two decades of educational, professional, and voluntary experience, and also taught economics at King’s University College. Kapil 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 Canadian Centre for Product Validation.
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 supports the business growth and retention and investment attraction efforts of LEDC as the Business Development Specialist. Through research and special project management, Candace provides site selection data to businesses interested in investing or expanding in London.
Prior to LEDC Candace graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts and a post-graduate diploma in Public Relations and Communications. She is currently working toward a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo (2020).
A community builder, Candace is the Vice-Chair of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Southwestern Ontario, a Director for London’s chapter of Women in Communications and Technology and a Committee Member for Junior Achievement Southwestern Ontario. Candace is a proud recipient of the 2019 Business London Twenty in Their 20’s Award.
Robert Collins, Director, Workforce Development, brings significant experience from senior roles in provincial and municipal governments and non-profit organizations in southwestern Ontario to this portfolio. Robert is active in a number of initiatives designed to address current and anticipated labour market shortages and close the gaps between supply and demand - an identified cornerstone of community economic resilience and sustainability.
Connecting companies to talent and talent to companies is a major focus of his endeavours.
Robert has made full use of London’s fine educational opportunities graduating from the University of Western Ontario, London Teacher’s College and Fanshawe College after originally coming from London, England.
Robert is a Past President of Western University’s Alumni Association and its Senate and is an active volunteer with a variety of organizations.
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 Luby 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 is a Director on the Fanshawe College Alumni Association Board of Directors, volunteers as a mentor through the Fanshawe College Larry Myny Mentorship Program, and is a committee member for the marketing committees at the London Chamber of Commerce and Forest City Film Festival.
Primilia Ludaes joined the LEDC in February 2005. As our front office receptionist, Lia answers and direct calls, responds to client and visitor inquiries, handles couriers and mail, orders office supplies and provides support and assistance to our staff.
Originally from the Philippines, Lia immigrated to Canada in 2001. Prior to moving to Canada, Lia worked in Hong Kong providing family care and support. Lia continue to further her education through internal training and computer courses at Fanshawe College.
In her spare time, Lia enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends.
Larry leads the Business Development team at the LEDC focusing on attracting new job creating investments and supporting high-growth 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 was previously an instructor at Western University and Fanshawe College in Entrepreneurship and Marketing Research Methods. Larry is a member on Fanshawe College’s Global Corporation Board and participates in several community-building and volunteering initiatives.
Brittany Maia, 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.
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.
John started BizInc at Western University and Fanshawe College, this student entrepreneurship service helped to launch more than 100 student businesses and was a critical proof of concept helping the institutions to receive more than $2.5M in funding to establish Campus Linked Accelerator Programs in London ON.
John, provided leadership as Director of the Southwestern Ontario Angel Group through a period of transition and member renewal.
John is a volunteer and Executive in Residence at the Ivey Business School, an enthusiastic (but not so talented) woodworker, proud father of three (and now grandfather of five). John and his family (including dog, hamster and guinea pig) spent a year living aboard a sailboat and travelling through the Caribbean as far the Rio Dulce of Guatemala.
Ashley Conyngham
Director, Marketing and Communications
