2015 Distinguished Entrepreneur – UVic honours David Foster

Businessman, music producer and philanthropist David Foster will be honoured in his hometown of Victoria, BC, on May 28 as the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business 2015 Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year, an award given to visionary leaders who have achieved tremendous success through their business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.

Foster is considered one of the music industry’s most accomplished producers, and has won 16 Grammy Awards (with 50 nominations), including three for Producer of the Year, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and three Oscar nominations for Best Original Song. He has created hit songs and award-winning gold and platinum albums for a diverse array of artists, with combined record sales in the millions.

Celebrating its 25th birthday in 2015, the Gustavson School of Business chose Foster as the 2015 recipient because of his entrepreneurial approach to both his music career and his charitable work. “It is particularly exciting to be honouring a home town hero in 2015, as our business school celebrates a milestone birthday,” says Peter Gustavson, chair of the Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year committee. “Many people know of David due to his amazing success as a music and record producer, and our goal is to shine a light on his incredible talents as an entrepreneur, businessman and mentor to so many in the global music industry.”

Prior to receiving his award at the sold-out DEYA gala, Foster will lead a classroom discussion with UVic students from Gustavson and the Faculty of Fine Arts about the business side of the arts.

Foster is currently head of boutique music label 143 Records, which was created in partnership with Warner Brothers, as well as chairman of Universal’s Verve Music Group. Foster is also known for his philanthropy, having established the David Foster Foundation in 1986. The national foundation aims to fill a gap within the medical system by supporting the non-medical expenses of families with children undergoing life-saving pediatric organ transplants. Since its inception, the foundation has assisted 1,000 families.

Previous DEYA award recipients: www.uvic.ca/gustavson/faculty/community/entrepreneurs

Note to media:
Those interested in attending Foster’s UVic classroom are requested to confirm with Brian Cant at 250-888-8729 (cell) or brian@tartangroup.ca. This classroom session will take place on May 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

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