Thomson Reuters Foundation appoints new chairman

The appointment was made by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Binet is a trustee. Woodbridge is the majority shareholder in Thomson Reuters.

Binet succeeds Dick Harrington, former chief executive officer of The Thomson Corporation, who has been chairman of the Foundation since Thomson completed its takeover of Reuters in April 2008.

“David’s experience as a trustee, and his deep background in journalism, law and business make him uniquely qualified to lead the Foundation,” said Tom Glocer, chief executive officer of Thomson Reuters. “Under David’s guidance, the Foundation can expand the impact and influence of its good work around the world.” He added: “I want to thank Dick Harrington for his many contributions as chairman, seeing the organization through the integration and putting in place the cornerstones on which the new Foundation will be built.”

Binet is a former reporter and editor with The Canadian Press. Prior to joining Woodbridge in 1999 he was a partner in the Canadian law firm Torys. He is also a member of the board of directors of CTVglobemedia, which owns Canada's largest television network, CTV, a number of specialty channels and 34 radio stations, as well as The Globe and Mail, Canada's national newspaper.

“The Foundation has enormous potential to grow beyond its current scope and truly represent the breadth and depth of Thomson Reuters globally,” Binet said. “I am committed to unlocking that potential, building on the important initiatives under way and exploring new ways in which the Foundation can make a difference in the world.”

Monique Villa, chief executive officer of the Foundation, said: “I am delighted that David has agreed to chair the Board of Trustees of the Foundation. David has been actively involved in helping us strengthen and expand a world-class corporate foundation. His appointment comes at a time when we are preparing to launch two important programs - to give broader access to the rule of law and to help affected populations when disaster strikes. His leadership, and his experience as a journalist and a lawyer, will be invaluable in this next exciting phase of the Thomson Reuters Foundation." ■