Pierre Lassonde

Pierre Lassonde is best known for his role in the mining industry, where he is a leading gold analyst and investor. With over 25 years of experience, Lassonde has shared his knowledge in his book, "The Gold Book: The Complete Investment Guide to Precious Metals." Throughout his career, Lassonde has promoted mining education and research in North America and internationally.

Lassonde founded the Lassonde New Venture Development Center in 2000 with a $3 million donation. After Lassonde’s wife, Claudette MacKay-Lassonde, passed away in June 2000, he wanted to create the Center in her memory. Both Claudette and Pierre attended the University of Utah, but in many ways they were opposites. Claudette earned her master’s in nuclear engineering, while Pierre attended the David Eccles School of Business.

In 2002, Lassonde was elected president of Newmont Mining Corporation, the world’s largest gold mining producer in the world. He joined the company following Newmont’s acquisition of Franco-Nevada Mining Corporation Limited, which he co-founded and had served as president and co-chief executive officer since 1982.

Lassonde was also awarded membership in the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honor. His philanthropic activities have included the funding of academic buildings at the Ecole Polytechnique, as well as the endowment of the Lassonde Mineral Engineering Program and the Lassonde Institute at the University of Toronto.

In 2006, Lassonde provided a donation of $13.25 million to create one of the largest entrepreneur centers in the United States. In the beginning, the Pierre Lassonde Entrepreneur Center consisted of already existing programs including the Lassonde New Venture Development Center. In addition, the Utah Entrepreneur Challenge, Opportunity Quest, Speaker Series and Launch Pad were placed under the direction of the Pierre Lassonde Entrepreneur Center. The Pierre Lassonde Entrepreneur Center and its numerous programs provide students a hands-on learning experience that enables them to be innovative business leaders of tomorrow. In May 2006, Lassonde was awarded an honorary doctorate in business from the University of Utah.