Chip Wilson

Chip Wilson is the founder of Lululemon Athletica, a company renowned for its innovative, yoga-inspired athletic apparel. He launched his career in the apparel industry by establishing Westbeach Snowboard Ltd in 1979, a company that catered to the surf, skate, and snowboard markets. He led Westbeach as CEO until 1997, after which he sold the company and founded Lululemon Athletica in 1998. His entrepreneurial skills were recognized in 2004 when Ernst & Young awarded him Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year for Innovation and Marketing. Further acknowledging his contributions, the University of Victoria honored him with the "Distinguished Entrepreneur" award in 2012.

Wilson's commitment to philanthropy is evidenced by multiple initiatives. Alongside his wife, he founded the Chip and Shannon Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University to provide comprehensive education in various design disciplines. They also launched Imagine1Day, a non-profit organization with the goal of providing quality education to Ethiopians, aiming for self-sufficiency by 2030 without foreign aid. Additionally, Wilson is an active community contributor in Vancouver, participating in events like the children’s run with BC’s Children’s Hospital and making significant donations to the city.

Currently, Wilson serves as the Chairman of the Board and Leader of Bluesky Development at Lululemon, where he focuses on driving innovation across the company. He possesses a BA in Economics from the University of Calgary. Wilson has also shared his insights and experiences through public speaking, including delivering a TEDxVancouver talk titled "Building legacy in the digital age." His leadership and innovative approach continue to influence the athletic apparel industry and beyond.