Rajat Sharma, COO and CFO, Mitacs

Rajat is a strategic, innovative senior leader with 20 years of progressive experience that crosses a variety of sectors including not for profit, public and private enterprise.

In his current role as the COO and CFO for Mitacs, Rajat is accountable for the financial health and operations of Mitacs, as well as support corporate strategies that support Canada’s innovation eco-system and its knowledge-based economy. Additionally, Rajat is often called upon to represent the organization with senior external partners in government, academia, and industry to build partnerships and foster growth for development of innovation ecosystems in Canada.

As a proven leader with expertise in the areas of finance, health care, housing, business process improvements, and innovation, Rajat utilizes his international education and professional background to support organizational success. Rajat has extensive experience in British Columbia’s public sector. As the CFO for the City of Abbotsford, he collaborated closely with elected officials and other stakeholders and provided sound counsel and guidance to deliver effective and efficient public services to the community. With a focus on financial sustainability and the maximization of resources, he successfully led the development and supported the development and funding of major health care infrastructure in BC. As a critical member of the Executive Management Teams, Rajat has been invaluable in optimizing key departments and services to ensure the success of the organization even beyond his tenure.

Rajat is currently serving on the Business Council of British Columbia Board and has served as a past Director on the United Way of Greater Victoria Boar. In his capacity as Board member, Rajat brings his executive expertise in the areas of finance, public policy, governance, risk management, technology, cybersecurity, infrastructure planning/funding, innovation, and strategy.

Rajat holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Mumbai, a Master of Business Administration from the University of San Francisco in California and is a Chartered Professional Accountant of Canada.

In his spare time, Rajat enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters as well as playing squash and volunteering with local community organizations promoting South Asian culture.