David Thomson to receive International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award

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This article was published 09/04/2015 (4123 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With the Winnipeg Jets on the cusp of making the NHL playoffs, it seems fitting that David Thomson has been selected as this year’s recipient of the International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award.

Presented annually by The Associates, Asper School of Business, the accolade recognizes excellence in entrepreneurship and commerce.

The Jets’ co-owner and chairman of Thomson Reuters is Canada’s richest person and oversees a behemoth of a media company.

He is also the chair of Woodbridge Company Ltd., his family’s investment company, and chair of the Globe and Mail, Canada’s largest national newspaper.

Even though he’s based in Toronto, Thomson has a history in Winnipeg, having worked here for the Hudson Bay Company after it was purchased by his family in 1979. In fact, it was his family’s ownership of the old Eaton’s building downtown that paved the way for the construction of the MTS Centre and eventual purchase of the Atlanta Thrashers.

“The IDEA program is about global leaders and people who not only excelled in business but have a real focus on philanthropy and community well-being,” said Paul Soubry, co-chair of the IDEA committee.

“He runs a global business with a global reach and he has invested and believed in our community.”

Thomson will be feted on June 1 at a black-tie dinner at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. Tickets are $300 while tables of 10 cost $3,000.

geoff.kirbyson@freepress.mb.ca