Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) has appointed a new economic development vice-president.
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Hesam Houryaband recently took on the role, overseeing strategic programming, managing investment attraction, and promoting local business retention and expansion, officials with Sarnia-Lambton’s county-funded lead economic development agency said in a news release.
Houryaband, who has a background in international, political and diplomatic affairs, public relations, marketing and customer service, previously worked in leadership for Research on Investment, an economic development consulting company, officials said.
A fluent English, French and Persian speaker, he holds degrees in international relations and diplomacy, has facilitated international trade missions while assisting regional economic development organizations, including Florida’s trade and investment agency, West Midlands in the UK, and the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority in the United Arab Emirates, the release said.
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That experience will be valuable in attracting investments and promoting local business growth, SLEP officials said, noting Houryaband will be a key liaison for businesses evaluating Sarnia-Lambton for investment, and will help ensure the region remains competitive globally.
“We are delighted to welcome Hesam to our leadership team,” Matthew Slotwinski, the partnership’s chief executive, said in the release.
“His experience and proven track record in driving economic development across diverse regions will be instrumental in shaping the future of our community.”
Houryaband fills the void left after Slotwinski, who had been the partnership’s economic development vice-president, became interim chief executive. He succeeded Dan Taylor, SLEP’s chief executive since mid-2002, who left in January.
Slotwinski was appointed as the partnership’s new chief executive in June.
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