Ian Telfer

Ian Telfer is a Canadian executive and philanthropist who is known for his strategic business success in the mining and resource sector. Currently, Telfer serves as the Chairman of Goldcorp, Inc., a Vancouver-based gold mining company.

Telfer has earned the reputation of being a ‘visionary mining entrepreneur’ for his ability to grow a number of mining companies. His 30 years of success in the resource sector can be attributed to an intrinsic aptitude for strategically-timed acquisitions and value-driven mergers.

Originally from Oxford, England, Telfer grew up in Canada and studied Political Science at the University of Toronto. Telfer then earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa.

Telfer has led Goldcorp Inc. since 2005, first serving as Goldcorp’s President and Chief Executive Officer. In 2006, Telfer was appointed Chairman of the Board for Goldcorp, a position that he still serves today.

Prior to leading Goldcorp, Telfer established and led a variety of successful mining companies, including TVX Gold, Wheaton River, Silver Wheaton, Terrane Minerals and Uranium One. Telfer’s business sense and ability to lead helped earn these companies a combined market capitalization of more than $50 billion at their peak.

Telfer’s industry knowledge earned him the honour of being appointed Chairman of the World Gold Council in 2009. He held the position until 2013.

In 2015, Telfer’s career in the mining sector earned him induction into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame. His commitment to economic growth in British Columbia has also been recognized and culminated in his induction into the Business Laureates of British Columbia (BLBC) Hall of Fame in May 2016.

Following a substantial donation in 2007, the University of Ottawa honored Telfer by naming their School of Management, now called the Telfer School of Management, after him. Along with his $25 million dollar donation to the Telfer School of Management, Telfer also established an annual scholarship to provide financial assistance to MBA and MHA students in need. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa in 2015.

In addition to his support of his alma matter, Telfer is a supporter of the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation in British Columbia. Telfer has also sponsored and supported The Special Olympics, The Vancouver Aquarium and the Simon Fraser Goldcorp Centre for the Arts.

Telfer enjoys traveling in his spare time and has visited more than 100 countries around the globe.