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Kevin Ford to Retire After a Decade of Record Growth; Board Appoints Patrick Houston as Incoming CEO Effective January 1, 2026

By The Northwire Desk — AI Analysis Oct 07, 2025 · 06:00 CGY · 53.40 CALIAN GROUP LTD.
CGY · Price

Executive Summary

  • Kevin Ford will retire as Chief Executive Officer of Calian Group Ltd. at the end of 2025 after a decade as CEO and 15 years with the company.
  • Patrick Houston, currently CFO and Chief Development Officer, has been appointed incoming CEO effective January 1 2026; a search for a new CFO will commence.
  • The Board highlighted Houston’s experience in finance, M&A, and operational execution and expects his leadership to advance Calian’s multi‑year strategic plan and portfolio simplification.

Key Details

  • CEO Retirement: Kevin Ford to step down as CEO effective December 31 2025; will remain in role through year‑end to ensure transition.
  • Successor Appointment: Patrick Houston appointed CEO effective January 1 2026; currently serves as CFO and Chief Development Officer.
  • CFO Vacancy: Board will initiate a search for a new Chief Financial Officer following Houston’s promotion.
  • Board Statement: George Weber, Chair of the Board, praised Ford’s tenure and expressed confidence in Houston’s ability to “build on this momentum.”
  • Houston Background: Joined Calian in 2019; oversaw finance, M&A, corporate development, investor relations, legal, ESG; led 15 strategic acquisitions; drove growth in GNSS, Nuclear, AgTech, and Composites divisions. Prior roles at DragonWave, CanvasPop, Corsa Security, Deloitte; board memberships include CADSI, Cliniconex, Kids Up Front Ottawa, Field Effect Software.
  • Incoming CEO Vision: Houston will focus on executing a multi‑year strategic plan, deepening presence in Defence, Space, and Health verticals, capitalizing on a “once‑in‑a‑generation” investment cycle, simplifying the business through portfolio review, and redeploying capital from non‑core assets.
  • Outgoing CEO Remarks: Kevin Ford highlighted his confidence in Houston and reflected on the company’s growth under his leadership.

Notable Quotes

“I am honoured to be appointed incoming CEO of Calian and grateful for the opportunity to steward this remarkable company… My focus will be on leading and executing our next‑phase multi‑year strategic plan, designed to deliver long‑term shareholder value…” – Patrick Houston, Incoming CEO

“Kevin has left an indelible mark on Calian… The Board is confident that Patrick is the right leader to build on this momentum.” – George Weber, Chair of the Board

Read the original news release →

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