Invest WindsorEssex/Media Release
WINDSOR-ESSEX, ONT. (Jan. 6, 2025) – Invest WindsorEssex (IWE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Andrews as Strategic Advisor to the Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2025. In this leadership role, Keith will oversee day-to-day operations and serve as the organization’s most senior executive.
Keith brings extensive experience to this position, having held senior executive roles with Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Ltd., Caesars Windsor and the Province of Ontario. With more than 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, he is well-regarded for his deep understanding of organizational leadership and his strong commitment to the Windsor-Essex community.
Over the tenure of his career, Keith has been a trusted advisor to elected and non-elected officials at the highest levels of municipal, provincial and federal government on a range of complex issues. He is recognized as a strategist and consensus builder who has established strong relationships with key community, labour, government and business stakeholders.
Keith will work closely with the IWE Board of Directors for a period of six months to prepare a new strategic plan and review operations, ensuring alignment with funding-partner and regional stakeholder expectations and contributions. This critical initiative will support IWE’s mission to foster economic growth and innovation in the region. The recruitment for a permanent CEO will continue while Keith undertakes his work on behalf of the Board.
The IWE Board of Directors also extends its gratitude to Joe Goncalves, who has successfully led the organization over the past 10 months while concurrently leading IWE’s investment attraction efforts. Joe’s exceptional expertise in business attraction remains invaluable as the region continues to experience significant growth opportunities. Joe will resume his role as Vice President of Business Attraction, where his efforts will further solidify Windsor-Essex as a premier destination for investment.
Quotes
“We are pleased to welcome Keith Andrews to the leadership team at Invest WindsorEssex. His proven track record in public and private sector leadership, combined with his commitment to our community, will be invaluable as we work together to create a regional strategy ensuring ongoing economic growth and development. I am confident that Keith’s expertise and vision will position Windsor-Essex for continued success.” – Drew Dilkens, Board Chair, Invest WindsorEssex and Mayor, City of Windsor
“It is an honour to join Invest WindsorEssex during such an exciting time for the region. I look forward to working with the IWE team, Board of Directors, stakeholders and community partners to drive innovation, support economic growth, and build on the organization’s strong foundation. Together, we will create a forward-looking strategy that reflects the dynamic opportunities in Windsor-Essex.” – Keith Andrews, Strategic Advisor to the Board and Chief Operating Officer, Invest WindsorEssex
ABOUT INVEST WINDSORESSEX
Invest WindsorEssex is the lead economic development agency for the Windsor-Essex region. The focus of the organization is to develop and execute strategies to retain, expand, attract and help new businesses start-up in Windsor-Essex. Invest WindsorEssex is led by a board of distinguished community leaders. A team of professional staff will assist you with all your location and investment decisions by working one-on-one with businesses, to facilitate the process of starting, growing or locating in Windsor-Essex. investwindsoressex.com
Media Contact
Gina Meret-Dybenko
Director, Marketing and Communications
Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-791-6223 Email: gmeret@investwindsoressex.com