Kendra MacDonald
Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, brings a rare combination of innovation leadership and governance expertise to organizations navigating rapid technological change. A speaker at COP28 and the UN, with leadership experience across six continents, she provides practical insight into building scalable innovation ecosystems, strengthening oversight, and driving long-term economic growth through technology.
St. John's, Canada
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Kendra spent over 20 years with Deloitte Global, rising to Global Chief Audit Executive and partner in the Atlantic Risk Advisory practice. She has worked across six continents and held senior global leadership roles across Canada, Australia, and Hong Kong. Kendra is a member of Forbes Business Council, and serves on multiple boards and audit committees, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, CRIN, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation. Fluent in both English and French, she works extensively with stakeholders across Canada’s national and international innovation ecosystem. She is a frequent speaker and writer on the topics of ocean economy, technology and leadership and has shared insights at COP28, the United Nations and TEDx events.
Kendra helps organizations navigate complex technological change without losing sight of purpose. Her work centers on guiding leaders through the responsible adoption of emerging technologies while maintaining strong ethical and governance foundations. Drawing on global best practice, she shows how strategic technology choices can create lasting competitive advantage.
Audiences gain practical insight into how innovation can be embedded into strategy, decision making, and organizational culture, creating resilience and long term value across industries. Kendra explores how organizations can build innovation cultures, partnerships, and governance models that support progress while ensuring responsible oversight and long-term sustainability.
Kendra brings a rare combination of global executive leadership, governance expertise, and innovation insight, equipping organizations to navigate complexity and lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving world.
Topics, Sessions And Talks
Kendra MacDonald examines why many organisations struggle to keep their values intact while racing to adopt new technologies. Drawing on her experience in global audit, governance, and large scale innovation programmes, she shows how leaders can make sharper decisions about digital investment, risk, and culture. Kendra’s grounded, systems focused style connects strategy to everyday operations, revealing how purpose and performance can reinforce each other in fast moving markets.
Kendra MacDonald addresses the growing gap between fast-moving technology and the slower structures meant to oversee it. Drawing on decades in audit, risk, and board leadership, she shows how governance can become an enabler rather than a brake on innovation. Kendra brings clarity to complex issues like cyber risk, ethical AI, and investment oversight, helping leaders see how strong frameworks create confidence, accountability, and better strategic choices.
Kendra MacDonald introduces innovation stewardship as a way of ensuring technology delivers lasting value rather than short-term disruption. Based on her leadership of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and her global corporate background, she explores how organisations can align digital ambition with social responsibility, governance, and long-term growth. Kendra’s thoughtful, pragmatic approach shows how collaborative ecosystems and ethical frameworks turn innovation into a strategic advantage rather than a liability.
Kendra MacDonald brings a global perspective to the question of how Canada competes in an increasingly technology driven world. With experience across Asia, Europe, and North America, she connects international best practice with Canada’s unique strengths in talent, research, and collaboration. Kendra highlights how innovation ecosystems, strategic partnerships, and clear national priorities can elevate Canadian organisations, offering leaders a roadmap for building influence beyond domestic markets.
Kendra MacDonald explores how the health of the world’s oceans connects to the future of our climate, food systems, and economies. Drawing on her leadership of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and decades of work in economic development and governance, she shows how data, innovation, and stewardship can support healthy marine ecosystems, which in turn underpin resilience, carbon balance, and sustainable growth. Kendra brings strategic insight to a scientific and policy-driven space, revealing why ocean leadership has become central to global climate solutions.
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