The Director

Dr. Rafik Loutfy was named centre director and the inaugural holder of the Walter G. Booth Chair for Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation in 2004. A business executive and entrepreneur, Loutfy brings 30 years of expertise in managing technology innovation to the position. As Chair, he is responsible for overseeing the new Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation master's program in the School of Engineering Practice, and the Xerox Centre for Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation (XCEEi).

Dr. Loutfy's previous experience with Xerox Corporation included progressive management positions in research, development, business and strategy development. He also served as manager of the Xerox Research Centre of Canada where breakthrough imaging materials, research and technology for the corporation were developed. Most recently Dr. Loutfy held the position of Corporate Vice President and Director of the Xerox Research Centre of Canada (XRCC). He received his Ph.D. from the University of Western Ontario and an MBA from the University of Toronto. Dr. Loutfy holds more than 43 patents and has published more than 166 articles.

Walter G. Booth and Rafik Loutfy

In 2003, Walter Booth donated $1 million to establish the Walter G. Booth Chair in Engineering Entrepreneurship & Innovation. This Chair leads the development of the Xerox Centre for Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation. XCEEi has a management focus that emphasizes the creation of new enterprises through innovative, opportunity-oriented leadership.