Professional Affiliation

President of Palantir Canada; former Canadian Ambassador to the United States

Expert Bio

Canada’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Mr. David MacNaughton, presented his credentials to President Obama on March 3, 2016.

As a seasoned entrepreneur and political strategist, Mr. MacNaughton brings a unique set of skills and experiences to his new role as Ambassador.

In the 1980s, Mr. MacNaughton transformed the public affairs industry by building an organization that comprised government relations, public opinion research and public relations. After selling his business in 1989, Mr. MacNaughton became President of Canada’s largest government and public relations firm and subsequently North American President of the world’s largest public relations firm. From 1995 until 2003, Mr. MacNaughton was President of Strathshore Financial and was an advisor to one of Canada’s leading investment banks.

Mr. MacNaughton’s public sector experience includes work at both the federal and provincial levels, including as advisor to the Minister at the Departments of Transport, Industry and Foreign Affairs. He was principal secretary to the Premier of Ontario from 2003 to 2005 and the Chairman of StrategyCorp from 2005 until his appointment.

Active in community affairs, Mr. MacNaughton has served on the boards of the North York General Hospital, the Stratford Festival, the National Ski Academy, TV Ontario, the Toronto French School and the Toronto International Film Festival.

Mr. MacNaughton is married and has four daughters.