May 1, 2018
The Composites Innovation Centre and its Board announces the retirement of our President, CEO and Founder, Sean McKay. While Sean and his steadfast leadership will be truly missed, we are grateful for his tireless efforts in starting and growing the CIC from its inception in 2003. Over the past 15 years he has created a culture of mutual respect, collaboration and innovation within the CIC family, our community and our stakeholders.
“I have been in the composites industry for nearly 39 years and it shows; all those resins and chemicals have certainly kept my aging at bay,” said Sean. “Even after all this time it still feels like a new industry with so much potential; especially the work that we have done to develop and commercialize sustainable materials – this has been a very rewarding part of the job. I have met and made so many great friends and acquaintances, it has been an exhilarating ride.”
Throughout his career, Sean has gained and shared a wealth of composite material technology knowledge in the aerospace, ground transportation and, most recently, industrial bioproducts sectors. From his days at Boeing Winnipeg and Acetek Composites, to working as a consultant via Base Composite Technologies for 7 years, Sean has left a lasting impact on the composite industry and the people in it. His career culminated in leading a community effort to establish a world-class composite technology and service centre. Under Sean’s leadership, the CIC has grown into a thriving, dedicated team that continues to serve the composites manufacturing community and their customers.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege working with Sean over the past 10+ years,” said Chad Brick, CIC Board Chair and President, Eastside Group of Companies. “Sean took the time to listen to our company and share his knowledge with us while we got our composite business off the ground. He is a true builder in the manufacturing community. His work ethic and unwavering vision of what the CIC could do for the composite industry is very clear in the institution and team that has resulted from his years of dedication and commitment. It has been a pleasure working with you Sean, you should be extremely proud of what you and your team have built.”
Sean’s retirement will correspond with the selection of a new President / CEO, anticipated in June 2018. Although it will be difficult to replace to Sean, the Board is currently searching for an individual who can lead the organization forward.
“The CIC is a major player in Manitoba’s innovative infrastructure because of its competent, enthusiastic, collaborative and passionate employees,” said Sean. “It has been an honour and privilege to be associated with the organization and I will remain a major supporter, whatever the future has in store for me. I’m looking forward to hearing about all the successes to come!”