Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> December 6, 1999
LEONARD J. ASPER is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of
CanWest Global Communications Corp. He received his Bachelor of Arts
degree from Brandeis University in Boston, MA in 1986. He graduated from
the University of Toronto Law School and has been a member of the
Ontario Bar since 1991. He worked as Associate General Counsel at Global
Television in Toronto for three years prior to moving to the CanWest
head office as Director of Corporate Development in 1994. Mr. Asper has
led the company's acquisitions and new business development for CanWest
outside of Canada in Central and Western Europe, the South Pacific,
South America, and Southeast Asia. In his previous role as Chief
Operating Officer, he was directly responsible for CanWest
Entertainment, the company's production and distribution arm, the
creation of the New Media Division and TV3 Ireland. He also continues to
maintain overall responsibility for the company's corporate development.
He is Chairman of the Young Associates, a leading Winnipeg business
group, whose principal function is to raise awareness and funds for the
University of Manitoba Faculty of Management Studies. His board
memberships include: CanWest Global Communications Corp. (and principal
subsidiaries); CanWest Broadcasting Limited; The Asper Foundation, a
private charitable foundation; Creswin Properties Inc.; Chairman of the
Board, Young Associates; The Asper Jewish Community Campus of Winnipeg;
Asper Centre of Entrepreneurship, University of Manitoba; The Sharon
Home; Strategic Development Board, University of Toronto Faculty of Law;
Business Council of Manitoba; Board of Governors, Banff Television
Festival and Winnipeg Football Club. Mr. Asper is a member of the
Canadian Club, the Canadian Institute of International Affairs, the
Young Presidents' Organization, and the Canada West Foundation. Profile
Communications? Then tell us what the company and business are all about
today.
Mr. Asper: We own 100% of the Global
