DeGroote announces new Research Partnerships Advisory Committee

DeGroote School of Business has convened a new Research Partnerships Advisory Committee that will serve an advisory role in the school’s research strategy and activities and help align its research with the needs and trends of industry.

The committee’s goal is to enhance DeGroote’s research partnerships, translation activities and community involvement. It aims to build capacity, develop robust partnerships and collaborations and enhance supporting infrastructure.

“Partner engagement in research results in many mutual benefits, including shared resources, diverse expertise and enhanced impact,” said Pina Del Monte, DeGroote’s Manager Research Services.

The advisory committee will be composed of nine to 11 individuals from industry, professional bodies and the public sector, as well as DeGroote’s associate dean of research, research services manager and other members of the DeGroote leadership team and researchers. External members will be appointed for a renewable two-year term.

The inaugural cohort includes:

• Carlos Cabrero (MBA ‘12), Global Delivery Director, TELUS Agriculture and Consumer Goods
• Paul Hogan, General Manager, Conagra Brands International
• Lubna Khader, Senior Director Software Development, Media, Loblaw Advance
• Sean Moloney, Senior Vice President and Practice Leader, Environics Analytics
• Marc Marzotto (BCom ’00), Principal, Slava Capital
• Lillo Puma (BCom ’00), Vice President DC Operations, Walmart Canada
• Jennifer Smith (EMBA ’23), Executive Vice President, Corporate and Chief People Officer, Burlington Hydro

The newly formed committee held their first meeting in March 2026.

“We are grateful to the members of the DeGroote Research Partnerships Advisory Committee for their valuable insights regarding industry trends and organizational challenges,” said Elkafi Hassini, associate dean of research. “They play an important role in the development of our partnership research strategy and activities while contributing toward shared goals. We look forward to continued collaborations.”

For more information on this initiative, please contact Shervaughn Bennett at shbenne@mcmaster.ca.