OMERS President & CEO Blake Hutcheson Appointed to Order of Ontario
Says Award Reflects the Value of Mentors, Community, and Family
January 4, 2024 -- Blake Hutcheson, President & CEO of OMERS, has been recognized as one of the 25 2023 appointees to the Order of Ontario. It is the province’s highest honour, celebrating people who have made exceptional contributions to helping build a strong province, nation, and world. The appointment was announced January 1 by the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario.
“This recognition is very humbling, and one that reflects the cumulative impact of the relationships, partnerships, and experiences I have been blessed to share with my colleagues, mentors, family, and friends over the course of my career,” said Mr. Hutcheson, who has been in senior leadership roles with OMERS and its real estate arm Oxford Properties for 14 years. This includes four as President & CEO of OMERS and nine as President & CEO of Oxford Properties.
Mr. Hutcheson has led investment businesses around the world and served on numerous corporate and non-profit boards. In his career to date, he has become known for his exceptional business acumen, leadership, and philanthropy.
He is passionate about the success of OMERS and is committed to continuing to work on behalf of its 600,000 members, who provide essential services across Ontario. At OMERS and Oxford and through their investment activities, Mr. Hutcheson has played a meaningful role in the creation of thousands of Ontario jobs. The pension plan’s significant investments in the province include Bruce Power, Teranet, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Square One, MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment), James Snow Business Park, Beanfield Metroconnect and many more.
Growing up in Huntsville, Ontario, where he continues to play Masters Lacrosse for his hometown, Mr. Hutcheson learned the importance of community and taking care of others. He has brought these lessons to the business world, where he embodies and encourages employees to live the OMERS values of: Inclusion, Humility, Integrity, and Excellence.
“I am proud of the incredible breadth and depth of talent we have here in Ontario. Each one of these exceptional Ontarians are leaders and trailblazers who exemplify the best of our province,” said Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, in a press release congratulating the 2023 Order of Ontario appointees. “Their achievements, dedication and leadership have contributed to building a stronger Ontario and a better world for all.”
“I would like to thank her Honour Lieutenant Governor Dumont and the Province of Ontario for this honour and recognition. It is a province that I am so proud to call home. I am honoured to be in such esteemed company with my fellow appointees, and I also want to thank my amazing colleagues without whom none of this would be possible,” said Mr. Hutcheson.
For more information about the latest Order of Ontario appointees please see the Government of Ontario press release and backgrounder.
