News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Stephen Lund has been appointed chief executive officer of Opportunities New Brunswick, following an independent recruitment process. He will begin working with the province on Feb. 16.

“We are focused on growing the economy and we are certain that under Stephen’s leadership Opportunities New Brunswick will be client-focused and deliver results in job creation,” Premier Brian Gallant said. “We are excited to have Stephen join us in our efforts to create jobs in New Brunswick.”

Lund has 30 years of experience in the financial and economic development industries, first in commercial banking, later as vice-president of Canada’s largest national venture capital firm, then as CEO of Nova Scotia Business Inc. from 2001 to 2013, then as CEO of Bermuda Business Development Agency and, most recently, as vice-president of industrial benefits and community affairs with Irving Shipbuilding Inc.

He has been recognized by Atlantic Business Magazine as one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada for five consecutive years and was inducted into Atlantic Business Magazine’s CEO Hall of Fame in 2011.

Gallant said Lund has a proven track record of attracting business to the region and helping local companies grow. Under his direction, Nova Scotia Business Inc. exceeded an $800 million target by generating more than $1.2 billion in new direct payroll and more than $2 billion including indirect payroll for the province.

“Stephen is an award-winning executive who drives economic growth through his leadership,” Gallant said. “He will be a great asset to New Brunswick as we work to move the province forward by growing the economy.”

Thanks to the efforts of Nova Scotia Business Inc., Nova Scotia was named the top jurisdiction in North America for attracting new business in 2012 by FDI Intelligence, a division of the Financial Times. Lund was recognized by Financial Centres International in 2010 as one of the top 500 most influential people in Financial Centre worldwide.

Originally from Saint John, Lund has lived and worked in Nova Scotia, Toronto and in other locations in the international business community.

“I am excited to be back home to help create jobs and grow the economy,” said Lund. “New Brunswick has a thriving business community with a lot of potential for growth. I am looking forward to working closely with the many talented people throughout the province.”

Lund holds an MBA from Queen’s University, a designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University. He has completed a number of executive courses at Queen’s University and Harvard University.