International vice-chair Claude Martin also retired following a seven-year term. His successor will be announced at the next board meeting.

"We have been fortunate to have the wisdom and experience of Charles Loewen and Claude Martin, and will no doubt have future opportunities to work with these outstanding individuals," said IISD chair Dan Gagnier. "We are very pleased that Michael Vukets has agreed to take on the position of Canadian vice-chair."

Vukets is founder & principal of Toronto-based Michael Vukets & Associates, a boutique financial services firm specializing in wealth management and philanthropy. The firm works with affluent families to realize a vision of creating $3 billion of funds for charities and non-profit organizations in Canada.

Dan Gagnier also formally welcomed director Emmanuel Ikazoboh, CEO and chair of Hedonmark Management Services, who joined the board earlier this year. 

IISD announced the retirement of vice-president, finance and corporate secretary Ian Seymour following more than 20 years of outstanding service to the institute. IISD's Grace Mota has been appointed treasurer and chief financial officer.  

"Ian Seymour's service to IISD and its board will be greatly missed," said Gagnier, adding that Seymour helped build and expand the institute to a world-class international public policy research think tank.

IISD's board now has 20 members, representing eight countries. IISD's board of directors usually meets twice per year.

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For more information, please contact Nona Pelletier, IISD manager, public affairs at +1 (204) 958-7740 or cell: +1 (204) 962-1303.