Lester Fernandes
PG Diploma ‘16, Strategy & Innovation, Oxford University
ALM ‘14, Extension School, Harvard University
MBA ‘82, International Business, Â鶹AV
BSc ’79, Psychology, McMaster University
Mr. Fernandes is an active investor and philanthropist and has served on the boards of many early stage private and publicly listed companies. He has assisted many entrepreneurs in bringing their businesses to the next level with mentorship and guidance using his experience gained from both the corporate and entrepreneurial world. Through his family foundation he is an active supporter of both education and senior mental health having donated in 2024 towards the creation of the Lester J. Fernandes Chair in Business Ethics at the Desautels Faculty of Management and donations to the Â鶹AV Dementia Program in the Faculty of Medicine. He has served in the past on the Investment Committee of the Â鶹AV Endowment Fund and volunteers some of his time guest lecturing in strategy to MBA students at the Faculty of Management.
Mr. Fernandes brings expertise in both raising capital and in the strategic development of early stage companies. Today he is an active proponent of the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace while underlining the ethical issues that may arise in its use.
Featured Article: A new Chair in Business Ethics to drive positive change in management
Â鶹AV Desautels International Advisory and Advancement Board
Comprised of highly successful industry leaders from around the globe, whoÌýprovide regular support and recommendations to our Dean and the Faculty.Ìý
