John M. Thompson has been a leading innovator in the infornation information technology sector in Canada with worldwide impact through his career. He has been a champion of technological innovation and leading change in large organizations. In particular, he has fostered the linkage between industry and academia in practice and research. His leadership has been shown through university governance appointments and his leadership and philanthropic support for the Hospital for Sick Children. Mr. Thompson has provided advice and leadership to groups such as the Canadian Business Council, the Corporate Higher Education Forum, and the Conference Board of Canada. His leadership and contributions to Canada were recognized with the Order of Canada in 2013.