Calian Group’s Kevin Ford to Step Down as CEO in January 2026

Calian Group’s Kevin Ford is stepping down as Calian‘s CEO on January 1, 2026.

Calian Group announced that Kevin Ford will retire as Chief Executive Officer after 10 years as CEO and 15 years with the company. Mr. Ford will remain CEO until the end of 2025 to ensure a smooth transition for all stakeholders. In accordance with the Board of Directors’ comprehensive succession planning process, the Board has appointed Patrick Houston, currently Chief Financial Officer and Chief Development Officer, as incoming Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026, and will initiate a search for a new CFO to succeed Mr. Houston.

Under Mr. Ford’s leadership, Calian has experienced a decade of transformation and record growth. “Kevin has left an indelible mark on Calian,” said George Weber, Chair of the Board. “His leadership has guided the company through a period of tremendous growth and change, establishing a strong strategic foundation for the future. During his tenure, the company has expanded into new markets, diversified its capabilities across defence, space, healthcare, and other critical infrastructure sectors, and grown from a respected Canadian business into a global provider of mission-critical solutions. He has helped shape a strong culture grounded in purpose, evolved and elevated the Calian brand, and championed the values that define the company today.”

“Looking ahead, the Board is confident that Patrick is the right leader to build on this momentum,” added Mr. Weber. “Following a rigorous and thorough succession planning process, we are unanimous in our support of his appointment. Patrick’s proven expertise in finance, M&A, and operational execution has been instrumental in driving growth across our most promising divisions. He brings the vision, discipline, and leadership to guide Calian into its next chapter and continue delivering long-term value for our shareholders.”

Since joining Calian in 2019, Mr. Houston has overseen finance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate development, investor relations, legal, and ESG. He has spearheaded 15 strategic acquisitions that have been pivotal in scaling the business and enabling significant international expansion. More recently, in his capacity as Chief Development Officer, Mr. Houston has successfully developed and implemented growth strategies for Calian’s GNSS, Nuclear, AgTech, and Composites divisions, which have delivered substantial organic growth for the company.

Prior to joining Calian, Mr. Houston held senior financial and operational leadership roles at DragonWave, CanvasPop, and Corsa Security, and began his career at Deloitte. He has also served on several boards, including the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), Cliniconex, Kids Up Front Ottawa, and Field Effect Software.

“I am honoured to be appointed incoming CEO of Calian and grateful for the opportunity to steward this remarkable company alongside such a talented and dedicated team,” said Mr. Houston. “My focus will be on leading and executing our next-phase multi-year strategic plan, designed to deliver long-term shareholder value and accelerate Calian’s evolution as one of Canada’s leading industry champions. This includes deepening our presence in the Defence, Space, and Health verticals, capitalizing on a once-in-a-generation investment cycle, and positioning Calian for sustained growth. At the same time, I will drive the outcomes of our portfolio review with the goal of simplifying our business, sharpening our focus on mission-critical solutions, and redeploying capital from our non-core assets.”

Reflecting on his time with the company, Mr. Ford said “It has been an honour to lead Calian and to work with such an exceptional team. Together, we have built a company that delivers for our customers, employees, and shareholders and one that plays a vital role in the markets we serve. Over the past six years, Patrick has been a key partner in driving our growth and strengthening our financial foundation. I have full confidence in his ability to lead Calian into its next chapter.”

Read the following statement from Kevin Ford:

After 15 incredible years with Calian, and 10 years as CEO, I shared with our employees today that I will be retiring from my role as Calian’s CEO on January 1, 2026.

This decision is one I have been reflecting on for some time. Leading Calian has been the greatest professional privilege of my life, and the journey we have been on together has been extraordinary. When I stepped into this role, Calian was a respected Ottawa-based company with deep roots and strong potential. Today, it is a proud Canadian global provider of mission-critical solutions across defence, space, healthcare and other essential industries. We have more than tripled our revenue and our market capitalization, and built a company that is stronger, more focused, and more impactful than ever before.

But numbers only tell part of the story. My proudest moments have been hearing directly from our customers and partners, from soldiers and public safety officials to healthcare providers and commercial leaders, that they could not have achieved their missions without Calian. That impact, and the purpose that drives it, has always been our north star.

On a personal level, my decision to retire is rooted in months of reflection. After experiencing a health scare in 2018, I gained a deeper appreciation for balance, health, family, and the things that bring joy and meaning beyond work. It is why I have been deliberate about carefully planning this transition and ensuring it happens at a time when Calian is in a position of strength and poised for continued growth.

I am deeply confident about Calian’s future. Patrick Houston, my colleague and trusted partner in Calian’s evolution over the last six years, will succeed me as CEO on January 1, 2026. Patrick is a deeply capable and thoughtful leader with a clear vision for Calian’s next chapter. Supported by a strong leadership team, dedicated employees, and the trust and confidence of our customers, partners and shareholders, Calian is positioned to reach even greater heights.

To our employees, past and present, thank you for your talent, dedication, and belief in our mission. To our customers and partners, thank you for your trust and collaboration. To our shareholders and to the Calian Board, thank you for your confidence and support throughout this incredible journey. And to the many industry colleagues, associations, and peers I have had the privilege of working alongside, thank you for inspiring, challenging, and championing Calian’s growth along the way.

While my professional chapter as CEO will soon come to a close, I look forward to staying connected to the Calian family, cheering on its continued success, and pursuing the next passions in my life, including spending more time with my family, supporting causes I care deeply about, and of course, making more music along the way.

Thank you all for being part of this remarkable journey. The best is yet to come for Calian and for all those we serve.

Onwards and upwards,

Kevin Ford