Howard Shearer, the son of Jamaica’s third Prime Minister the late Hugh Shearer, came to Canada as an International student to study at McMaster University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1977.
After working at a number of high-tech firms after graduation, Howard moved in 1984 to Hitachi Canada Limited, an International Japanese firm. He moved through the ranks to Chief Executive Officer and President to Chief Executive today.
Considered, a dynamic executive, Howard has not only led Hitachi to success these past 15 years, he has also played a leading role in the community. Mr. Shearer serves on the boards of the following
non-profit and public sector organizations: the Canadian Nurses Foundation, the Principal's Advisory Council (University of Toronto at Mississauga), the Canadian Studies Advisory Committee (University College, University of Toronto), and Governing Council of the University of Toronto. Mr. Shearer also is a member of other professional organizations, including the Energy Council of Canada, the Canadian Nuclear Association and the Canadian Nuclear Society.
He served on the McMaster Board of Governors and is currently on the Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board.
His ambition is to make Canada a global powerhouse in smart systems and big data. He believes that it’s important that Canada build capacity in the digital world right across the spectrum from smart homes, connected vehicles to medical devices.
Although well established as a Canadian business executive Howard continues to maintain his ties to his home country. He is a key player in the Jamaican Canadian Initiative for Disaster Resilience and Response (JCIDRR) chaired by former Canadian Prime Minister John Turner.
Jamaicans and Canadians alike are being mobilized to assist the country in the event of a natural disaster. The organization is committed to putting in place expertise and financial support to "equip Jamaica with an up-to-date counter-reaction to disaster and avoid the type of situation that Haiti has gone though in the last several years".
Howard volunteers his time on several committees and councils. He serves as the Chairman of the Board of Hitachi Power Systems Canada Ltd. He has been Director of Metrolinx since July 2012. He also has been a Member of HCL's Board of Directors since 1999. Mr. Shearer served as Director of the Independent Electricity System Operator.
Through the partnership with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy where he serves as Director, he is on the forefront of the nuclear renaissance in Canada. He is advocate for the need for future qualified graduates in nuclear engineering and technology.
Howard is described by his associates as having a common-sense, hands on approach to his work, which has gone a long way in defining his enthusiasm, and his strong technical and leadership skills. To this end, Howard Shearer is recognized as one of the Faculty’s most accomplished alumni.