Industry & Services >> CEO Interviews >> September 20, 2004

JOSEPH WRIGHT – PAPRICAN

JOSEPH D. WRIGHT is President and Chief Executive Officer of Paprican. He joined the Institute in May 1994 to lead its transition into Third Generation R&D Management. Prior to his appointment, he was Vice President and Centre Manager for the Xerox Research Centre of Canada, responsible for leading the materials research activities of Xerox worldwide. Dr. Wright holds a PhD in Control/Chemical Engineering from Cambridge University, and spent several years as Professor of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University. He has served as Chair of the Computing and Systems Technology Division of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and was a founding co-Chair of the Systems and Control Division of the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineers. He has been Chairman of a number of Canadian national and provincial research networks. Dr. Wright was Vice Chair of the Canadian National Advisory Board on Science and Technology during the development of the Healthy, Wealthy and Wise Report. In June 2001, Dr. Wright was recognized by an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from McMaster University. Dr. Wright is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and is a past President of the Academy. He is also a Fellow of the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineers. Dr. Wright's broad research interests include computer process control, advanced materials, pulp and paper, and the management of technology. His current interests are strongly focused on the integration of technology with corporate business strategies and, in particular, how research institutes can effectively serve their members on a global basis. Profile
TWST: Could we begin with a brief historical sketch of Paprican and an

overview of the things you're doing right now?

Dr. Wright: Paprican was founded in 1925 and incorporated in 1950. We're

a