People

Biography

Christian Couturier is Director General of the National Research Council Institute for Information Technology (NRC-IIT), which undertakes research in three strategic directions of information and communications technology:

• Knowledge from Data: Making sense of IT
• People-Oriented Systems: So you can use IT effectively
• e-Business: Wherever you are.

He previously served as Director, New Brunswick Research Programs and as Group Leader for the e-Learning Group of NRC-IIT - e-Business. Prior to coming to NRC, Mr. Couturier held various positions at the Université de Moncton (UdeM), including Director General of IT Services, Professor in MIS and Senior Project Manager for UdeM’s Virtual Learning Environment (IDITAE). He has also been active in the Information Systems consulting field, chiefly at SAP Canada and as a private consultant. He is a graduate of the Université du Québec à Montréal where he obtained an MBA Research in Management Information Systems (MIS).

Christian’s award-winning run as DG of NRC-IIT continued on May 3^rd 2005 when he was named one of Canada’s "Top 40 under 40". The scope of recognition grows greater with each passing year, from NRC (Outstanding Achievement Award 2003) to New Brunswick (KIRA 2004 Industry Person of the Year) to the Atlantic Provinces (most-nominated of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada 2004, Atlantic Business) to this Canada-wide honour.

Christian is very active in the community, giving talks and lectures on a regular basis to local, regional, national and international audiences on topics ranging from ICT, economic development and leadership. He is concerned with seeking out and developing a new generation of leaders with innovative ideas and perspectives on our collective future. In addition he has encouraged staff participation in community and industry organizations. His service on major boards and committees includes:

• Premier's Roundtable on eNB and Innovation (Co-Chair)
• IST-EC 2 Scientific Committee
• ORNEC Scientific and Operating Committee
• Greater Fredericton Knowledge Park
• Next NB and 21 Leaders for the 21st Century
• UNB Research Advisory Board