Canadian Diabetes Association leads the fight with new President and CEO

Association welcomes Michael Cloutier as new President and CEO

TORONTO, July 5 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Diabetes Association, Beau Zahrai, Chair, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Cloutier to the position of President and CEO effective July 5, 2010.

"We are delighted that Michael Cloutier will be joining the Canadian Diabetes Association as the organization moves into a new phase of growth in the fight against diabetes," said Beau Zahrai, Chair of the Canadian Diabetes Association. "Michael's experience and strong track record in life sciences, combined with significant Canadian and international knowledge and his philanthropic background will be key to helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while the Association works to find a cure."

An accomplished business leader in both the corporate and non-profit sectors and with three decades of experience at national and global levels, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and executive management experience to the role of President and CEO at the Canadian Diabetes Association. Michael has been the President and CEO of four organizations dedicated to the development of products vital to enabling people to live longer and healthier lives and was most recently with Critical Outcome Technologies Inc., an early-stage biotechnology company based in London, Ontario.

A well-known and respected leader in the Canadian healthcare community and dedicated philanthropist, Michael has served in leadership roles on numerous boards over the past 15 years - including the Canadian Stroke Network, the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation, the Canadian Obesity Network, the Canadian Arthritis Network, Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning and The Cameron Institute. Michael is also the past Fundraising Chair of the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre at the University of Toronto (Mississauga) and has held board positions in life sciences organizations including national centres of excellence, hospitals and community nursing associations.

"I am excited at the opportunity to lead the Canadian Diabetes Association. Canada plays an important role in the fight against the global diabetes epidemic. The Association's dedication to helping people with diabetes live healthy lives and its talented and passionate team is truly a winning combination," said Michael Cloutier, President and CEO, Canadian Diabetes Association. "The Canadian Diabetes Association has tremendous recognition in both the North American and international healthcare markets. The opportunity ahead is to leverage and grow that awareness and continue to develop innovative programs and services for people living with diabetes and our healthcare professionals. I look forward to meeting with employees, volunteers and partners across the country in the coming weeks and months."

Diabetes in Canada

Diabetes is an epidemic in Canada and around the world. Today, more than 3 million Canadians have diabetes. Over the next decade, another 1.2 million Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with diabetes. Nearly one in four Canadians either has diabetes or prediabetes. More than 20 people are diagnosed with the disease every hour of every day.

The cost of diabetes in Canada is approximately $12.2 billion, which is an increase of $5.9 billion or nearly double its level in 2000. The cost of the disease is expected to rise by another $4.7 billion by 2020.

About the Canadian Diabetes Association

Across the country, the Canadian Diabetes Association is leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. We are supported in our efforts by a community-based network of volunteers, employees, healthcare professionals, researchers and partners. By providing education and services, advocating on behalf of people with diabetes, supporting research and translating research into practical applications - we are delivering on our mission. Visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464) for more information.

For further information: Randi Garcha, Manager, National Media Relations & External Communications, Canadian Diabetes Association, Tel: [phone], [email protected]