Message from the CEO: Remembering Dr. Jack Williams, Scientist Emeritus and former President and CEO of ICES

The entire ICES community extends our deepest sympathies to the loved ones and friends of Dr. Jack Williams, Scientist Emeritus and former President and CEO of ICES. Jack passed on December 6, 2024, at the palliative care unit of the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.

Dr. Williams succeeded ICES’ founding CEO, Dr. David Naylor and was appointed President and CEO in 1998, after serving as Deputy Director of Research since 1992. Dr. Williams led ICES until 2000 and was instrumental in helping to shape legislation that protected personal health data while allowing valuable research to proceed.

In 2012, on the twentieth anniversary of ICES, Dr. Williams shared his vision for the organization in 2032, noting that “[we would continue] to be an important contributor to the process by which Ontario organizes, manages and pays for health services.”

On a personal note, I was fortunate to work under Jack’s leadership (he signed my appointment letter as an ICES Scientist) and after I became CEO, I received messages and advice from Jack that was always insightful, thoughtful and kind.

To plant a tree in Dr. Williams’ memory, please visit his obituary.

Michael Schull
CEO, ICES