Pictured above, Peter Hickey, Lakehead's new Vice-President, Administration and Finance

Peter Hickey will join Lakehead University as the new Vice-President, Administration and Finance.

Peter comes to Lakehead from Brandon University in Manitoba, where he serves as Vice-President, Administration and Finance. He brings extensive leadership experience across the post-secondary, public, and private sectors. He will also provide leadership for university services, including Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology and Physical Plant.

“This role supports every part of the University, and I believe that strong relationships and clear communication are essential to ensuring that financial and operational strategies truly enable teaching, learning, and research,” Peter says. “My leadership approach is grounded in transparency, collaboration, and data‑informed decision making.”

Peter’s educational achievements include the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Laurentian University.  

Before joining Brandon University, Peter served as the Director, Finance and Administration, including time as Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO), for the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. Prior to that, he spent eight years leading finance within the Ontario child welfare sector, preceded by various leadership roles within the consumer-packaged goods sector with organizations like Maple Leaf Foods, Nestlé Canada, and Kraft Canada, among others. He also brings significant experience serving on not-for-profit boards, including the Canadian Universities Reciprocal Insurance Exchange (CURIE) and eCampus Ontario.

“I am very pleased to welcome Peter to Lakehead’s Executive Team,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gillian Siddall. “He brings extensive financial and administrative leadership experience, a collaborative approach, and a clear understanding of how strong institutional planning supports teaching, learning, and research. These qualities will be especially important as Lakehead advances its strategic goals and several transformational capital projects.”

Lakehead is pursuing an ambitious agenda at a time of significant change across the post-secondary sector. Strong financial stewardship will be essential to supporting our people, advancing our academic and research mission, and strengthening the University’s long-term sustainability. It will also be critical as Lakehead moves forward with four transformational initiatives: the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, the Orillia Campus expansion, the Barrie STEM Hub, and the re-envisioning of Gichi Kendaasiwin.

“Lakehead has a clear vision for the future, a strong commitment to its strategic priorities, and a deep dedication to the communities it serves,” Peter explains. “I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and community members to build on the university’s many strengths and support its continued success.”

Peter will assume his new role on September 1, 2026.