Rob Henderson brings over 30 years of C-Suite experience in both the private and public sectors to his role. Since joining BioTalent Canada in 2011, Rob has played a pivotal role in the organization’s growth, helping it become financially independent and a key driver of talent within Canada’s life sciences sector. When Rob first joined, the organization had a team of just five people. Under his leadership, the team and the organization’s national network have expanded greatly. Rob helped to define BioTalent Canada’s unique value proposition and its niche in the market, fostering partnerships with over 80 organizations across the bio-economy’s many sub-sectors.
Through his guidance, BioTalent Canada has established strong relationships with government bodies, employers, industry associations, post-secondary institutions, immigrant-serving agencies, and service providers. This network has facilitated the development of essential skills, connected job-ready talent to the industry, and created careers and valuable job opportunities for thousands of Canadians. The organization’s work also supports companies by offering resources such as employer supports, HR tools, and labor market intelligence, helping them build effective teams.
In recent years, BioTalent Canada has created a range of evidence-based resources, including Labour Market Intelligence reports, National Compensation Guides, and National Occupational Standards, all of which have become essential tools for industry leaders. The organization has also developed programs that bridge the gap between employers and job seekers, placing over 15,000 Canadians in new career opportunities. In recognition of its workplace culture, BioTalent Canada has consistently been named one of Canada’s top workplaces, garnering multiple awards for culture and diversity and inclusion.
Rob is widely respected as a thought leader in the biotech HR space and offers strategic advice to governments at all levels. Before his current role, Rob was the President of Quebec and Vice-President of Eastern Canada at CNW (Canada Newswire). In that capacity, he provided strategic guidance to senior executives on public and investor relations best practices, while fostering business growth and enhancing customer service, including the creation of the company’s first national sales call center.
Throughout his career, Rob has held leadership roles on various boards and associations, where he has been instrumental in shaping governance models and guiding organizations through complex challenges. Earlier in his career, Rob led the Canadian Association of Journalists through a major revenue and partnership initiative, underpinned by ethical principles and strong Board engagement. He remains connected with many of Canada’s top journalists today.
A Quebec native, Rob is a graduate of the University of Ottawa (Honours BSc in Biology), is fluently bilingual and the proud father of two sons. He is an active volunteer in the local theatre community and categorizes himself as a champion of diversity, inclusion, and people and culture, while maintaining his identity as a proud science “zealot.”
