Ken Silver
“York University represents the best of the great leadership potential that Canada holds for the world. I’m honoured to serve as one of its governors.”
Ken Silver’s appointment to York University’s Board of Governors represents the culmination of years spent championing youth and building healthy, prosperous communities.
A leader in Canada’s retail and commercial real estate industries for more than 30 years, Ken served as the President and CEO of CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CT REIT) from the REIT’s initial public offering in 2013 to his retirement in 2022. Previously, he was the senior vice-president of corporate strategy and real estate for CT REIT’s majority unitholder, Canadian Tire Corporation Limited, and the president of Canadian Tire Real Estate Ltd.
Over many years, Ken has leveraged his unique corporate expertise to advance his commitment to helping youth and communities grow and thrive. He is currently a trustee of Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (CAPREIT), Canada’s largest publicly listed provider of rental housing. He is a former member of the board of REALPAC, the national industry association for Canada’s real property sector, and of the boards of Build Toronto and Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth. Ken has also volunteered his time preparing breakfasts for inner-city school children.
Ken holds an undergraduate degree from Queen’s University and an MBA from McGill University. He completed the Directors Education Program at the Institute of Corporate Directors at the University of Toronto in 2009.
A member of York’s Board of Governors since 2018, he serves as Chair of Land and Property Committee and a Member of the Executive and Investment Committees.