Management

Mark Kirby
President & Chief Executive Officer

Mark Kirby, President and CEO, is a seasoned chemicals and clean technology executive with a decade of experience in the hydrogen and fuel cell sector. Mr. Kirby has held leadership positions at Ballard Power Systems, where he managed the $100 million divesture of the company’s automotive fuel cell business to Daimler and Ford, as well as Questair Technologies.

Formerly President and CEO of Fortress Advanced Bioproducts, the biotechnology division of Fortress Global Enterprises, Mr. Kirby laid the groundwork for a Canadian biorefinery demonstration project with over $30 million of government support. He also co-founded S2G Biochemicals where he was responsible for raising millions in government and private funding support while developing strategic partnerships to position the company’s technology for commercialization. In addition, Mr. Kirby was responsible for integrating acquisitions and growing new global business for a $100 million division of Praxair.

Mr. Kirby currently serves as a member of the board of directors at HTEC. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of British Columbia.

Nicolas Hilario, Operations Manager

Nicolas has more than five years of experience in the hydrogen and fuel cell sector and oversees the day-to-day activities of the association as operations manager.  This includes managing relationships with government stakeholders, media and members, executing the association’s public affairs and communications strategy through its digital media channels,  and coordinating the association’s participation in events as well as outgoing trade missions to key global markets.

Prior to joining the CHFCA, Nicolas served in a number of marketing and communications roles in the civil construction, energy, marine, software, aviation, and professional sports industries.

Nicolas holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Co-operative Education) in Communication and English from Simon Fraser University.