Invest Alberta Leadership Team

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Rick Christiaanse

Since October 2021, Rick Christiaanse has been leading Invest Alberta in breaking down barriers for investors and attracting high impact, high value investments and jobs to the province. Rick is a seasoned senior executive in the corporate, public, and not-for-profit sectors and brings decades of senior business leadership experience driving growth and completing multi-million-dollar investments globally. He offers a breadth of knowledge extending from the high-tech ecosystem for both start-ups and billion-dollar enterprises to working hand-in-glove with governments and not-for-profit organizations. A highly effective commercial tactician, Rick is adept at driving brand equity, operational results, and shareholder value in competitive markets.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Lynette Tremblay

Lynette Tremblay joined Invest Alberta in 2021, bringing experience in senior and executive roles in government, energy, communications, and international business development. She leads the investment attraction and investor services teams that provide high-end tailored support to companies, investors, and major new projects. The concierge services provided to investors leverages the full breadth of support offered across the organization to help investors navigate regulatory, policy and permitting requirements, connect with government and stakeholders, support site visits and selection, and more.

Managing Director, Canada

Sarojini Vasant

With extensive experience in international trade and investment, Sarojini Vasant leads the investment promotion team in Canada. Her team, based in Alberta and Toronto, is focused on increasing awareness of Alberta’s economic strengths, and securing investments from global businesses across Alberta’s priority sectors.

Managing Director, Asia

Adeel Ahmad

Adeel Ahmad leads the investment promotion teams in Asia, which includes advisors located in New Delhi, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo. He supports the team in identifying and pursuing high-value investment opportunities for the Alberta market. Based in Seoul, Adeel is focused on ensuring appropriate partnerships are in place to build awareness of the investment opportunities and landscape in Alberta and promote emerging investment opportunities.

Managing Director, Greater China

Kevin Tsui

Kevin Tsui leads the investment promotion team for Greater China, overseeing investment attraction advisors located in Mainland China and Hong Kong. This team assists companies and investors across Greater China to capitalize on Alberta’s diverse industries and strong economy while developing partnerships to realize their business ambitions in North America.

Managing Director, EMEA

Denis Merkwirth

Denis Merkwirth leads the investment promotion team for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), with advisors currently located in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands. Based in Berlin, Denis manages the growth of a well-curated market presence and ensures that foreign investors across EMEA receive exceptional client services.