Mark Surrette, President (Halifax)
As founder and President of Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette, Mark Surrette has cultivated a legacy of guiding Atlantic Canada’s organizations to solid, sustainable growth through expert people decisions. He has provided counsel to clients across a broad spectrum of industries on successfully attracting and on-boarding executive talent, strategic HR issues and Board governance. Mark has played a pivotal role in strengthening the region’s economy, businesses and communities in creating and leading one of Atlantic Canada’s most accomplished teams of talent attraction, career transition and HR consultants.
Mark’s ideals, credentials and profound understanding of the essentials for building great companies have earned him a reputation as a highly principled thought leader among clients and colleagues. He has consistently set a vision and strategy for his organization, and motivated his team in maintaining a standard for excellence in client service. His tireless dedication to Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette, clients and the region has been recognized by Atlantic Business Magazine. The publication selected him as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs five times and, in 2008, included him into their Hall of Fame. He is a member of the Advisory Board for Source Security.
Mark is unwavering in his belief that businesses are only as strong as the communities in which they are situated. A native of Halifax, he has contributed considerable time and energy to several highly successful community initiatives over the course of his career. Passionate about healthcare for children, Mark founded and chaired the Great Big Gig event for three years in support of the IWK Health Centre. He also served as Chair of the Board of Governors for the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Dinner for two consecutive years, which honours individuals for their contributions to business and to the community. Mark is a past president of the Young Presidents’ Organization, Atlantic Chapter, which is dedicated to leadership development through peer-based learning. Presently, Mark is fulfilling a second term as Honorary Consul General of Japan at Halifax. Mark is also currently serving as Vice Commodore at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron (RNSYS).
Mark completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Organizational Behaviour from Dalhousie University and subsequently earned a Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from Saint Mary’s University. A Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Mark has also completed the President’s Seminar at the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration.
Mark resides in picturesque St. Margaret’s Bay with his wife, Angela, and their two daughters.