Aaron Stone is the new CEO of South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP), Greater Victoria’s economic development alliance.

Stone will step down from his third term as Mayor of the Town of Ladysmith to accept the position.

A news release describes Stone as a seasoned leader with a proven track record in driving business success and as a champion of holistic community prosperity.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the talented team at SIPP,” he says. “When I decided last year that I would not seek political office in the future, I began to contemplate post-elected life and explore new opportunities. Nothing really ignited the fire in me until I discovered that SIPP was seeking a new CEO, a role that leverages my 25 years of experience in technology, marketing and public service combined with my passion for economic development.

The South Island is a vibrant region with immense potential. I am committed to working with our partners and stakeholders to deliver on this potential through continued collaboration and innovation.”

Along with serving as Mayor of Ladysmith, Stone founded Uforik Computers Inc and President of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and Chair of both the Island Coastal Economic Trust and the Cowichan Valley Regional District. Prior to this, he was Vice-President of Business Development for Global Media before becoming Director of Interactive Technology and Marketing for the Vancouver Grizzlies.

“After an extensive nationwide CEO search, with hundreds of candidates, we’re very pleased how Aaron’s skills, passions and network align to SIPP,” says SIPP’s Board Chair Terry Gunning. “Aaron’s collaborative approach and strong commitment to sustainable economic development will accelerate SIPP’s mission to build a more innovative, diversified, inclusive and sustainable South Island economy.”

Stone succeeds former SIPP CEO Emilie de Rosenroll. Dallas Gislason, currently SIPP’s Interim CEO, will continue in the role until Stone begins his new position on October 7th.

Says Gislason, “Over the course of the selection process, I had the opportunity to converse with Aaron on several occasions. I was immediately impressed by Aaron’s innovative and ambitious economic development vision for Greater Victoria and his passion for working collaboratively with SIPP’s members, including the region’s municipalities, First Nations, private sector, post-secondaries and non-profits.

Working across these diverse stakeholder groups takes a special skillset, and I believe Aaron is the right CEO to build on SIPP’s momentum as we expand key initiatives, such as COAST, the Indigenous Prosperity Centre and the Victoria Rising business and essential talent attraction platform.”