Telco Trailblazer: Darren Entwistle, TELUS President and CEO
Darren Entwistle is the longest-serving CEO in the global telecommunications industry, after joining TELUS in 2000. Under his leadership, the telecommunications company has grown from providing regional services in Western Canada, to supporting global communications.
From early adversity to professional excellence
Born in 1962, Montreal, Canada, Darren was raised by his parents and his two older sisters, from his Mother’s first marriage.
“I ended up having three Mom’s,” Darren said in his 2022 Horatio Alger Award Recipient speech.
Darren needed his sisters and they needed him, when their Mother was diagnosed with cancer. When Darren was 11, she died.
“You learn to deal with it, but you never get over it,” he said.
This was Darren’s first experience of adversity, something which he used to help him through difficult or challenging periods.
Darren went on to study and earned a Bachelor of Economics degree from Concordia University, followed by an MBA in Finance from McGill University and a diploma in Network Engineering from the University of Toronto.
He has also received honorary Doctorates of Law from McGill University, Concordia University, the University of Alberta and the University of Victoria. Darren also holds an honorary Bachelor in Business Administration from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and is an Honorary Fellow of The Royal Conservatory in Toronto.
TELUS: Transforming lives with purpose-driven technology solutions
TELUS is Canada’s national telecommunications company. Over the past two decades, TELUS has generated a total shareholder return of 697%. Throughout the past 24 years, TELUS’ enterprise value has grown to CAN$65.5bn.
Its purpose-driven team works together to provide technology solutions that make lives safer and to support those who need it most.
In 2018, TELUS launched Mobility For Good in Ontario, offering no-cost plans and devices to youth ageing out of government care. Darren was moved to the core by stories of young people in such situations and could see that TELUS could make a huge difference to at-risk groups.
“The programme has expanded to support low-income seniors, low-income families, government-assisted refugees and Indigenous women at risk of or surviving violence with free or low-cost rate plans and smartphones.”
TELUS has been rated as one of Canada’s Most Authentic Brands by the Gustavson School of Business in 2023 and as the 2021 Brand of the Year by Strategy Magazine.
TELUS was recognised as Canada’s leading global workplace by Forbes World’s Best Employers 2021, ranking first in Canada and 40th globally, amongst 750 leading worldwide brands.
Strengthening communities with TELUS
Darren has built a culture at TELUS which aims to strengthen communities, from the office to the football pitch.
“The TELUS She CAN Coach programme, now entering its second year, is dedicated to supporting female soccer coaches and creating a welcoming space for women and girls in soccer.”
Developed with Canada Soccer the programme provides connection and community alongside training and virtual sessions from guest speakers. This aims to lower the barrier to entry for female coaches and to increase representation and recognition for women in the sport.
In recognition of Darren’s work, he was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2018. In 2003, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, followed by the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
In 2022, Darren was inducted into the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame and was named Canadian Business Leader of the Year by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Darren was named the Most Admired CEO by Waterstone Human Capital in 2017 and was presented with the inaugural Innovator of the Year award from the Ontario Science Centre in 2012 in honour of his contributions to innovation in science.
In addition, Darren was recognised with the CEO Leadership in Action Award from Diversity Journal in 2011 and the National Philanthropy Business Leader of the Year Award in 2010 from the David Foster Foundation.
TELUS's commitment in the face of wildfires
Darren has learned how to deal with adversity, as well as the importance of keeping loved ones connected.
In the last five years, TELUS has invested CA$125m to support those affected by wildfires and natural disasters.
“As devastating wildfires impact communities, our TELUS team is committed to providing support,” Darren said in August, following the wildfires in Jasper, Alberta and throughout British Columbia. “The TELUS team is working to ensure connectivity remains as strong as possible.”
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