Rocco Rossi

Rocco Rossi

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
13K followers 500+ connections

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About

A successful entrepreneur and business executive, champion fundraiser, and dedicated public servant, Rocco Rossi is the immediate past-President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

His unique blend of experience intersects general management, philanthropy, public policy, politics, business strategy, and new media.

As CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation – one of Canada’s largest non-profit organizations – from 2004 to 2009, Rossi oversaw four consecutive years of record fundraising raising over $500 million in total and launching many new, life-saving initiatives. As CEO of Prostate Cancer Canada from 2013-2018 he led many initiatives that ultimately led the Financial Post to rate PCC one of the 3 top health charities in Canada in 2017.

His passion for public policy has led him to stand for election both for the position of Mayor of Toronto and for MPP.

At Boston Consulting Group, he provided strategic advice to Fortune 500 companies in a wide range of industries in Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

Mr. Rossi then joined TORSTAR (publisher of the Toronto Star, one of the largest circulation daily newspapers in North America), in 1996 as Vice-President, Strategic Planning & New Media. As part of an executive team that ran the Star, he rolled out a series of structural changes to the advertising, circulation and press departments, and led the newspaper’s internet and new media properties.

As Vice-President, Interactive Media at Labatt from 1999 to 2001, Rossi launched the most popular consumer beer website in the world, beer.com.

A past board member of United Way of Greater Toronto, Mr. Rossi has been an active community builder. In fact, in 2012 he was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal for his Philanthropic and Community service.

Mr. Rossi has a BA (Hons) in political science from McGill University and a Masters of Arts in politics from Princeton University. He is married to his wife of 30-years, Rhonnie, and they have a 28-year-old son, Domenic John.

Articles by Rocco

Activity

Publications

Honors & Awards

  • Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pin

    -

    For championing the Ontario economy and work during the COVID pandemic

  • Business Excellence Award

    Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association

  • Business Catalyst of the Year

    TiE Toronto

    For exceptional leadership in growing and strengthening the entrepreneurial eco-system.

  • Communication and Leadership Award

    Toastmasters International District 60

    The Communication and Leadership Award is the highest Toastmasters award available for the District to present to a non-Toastmaster. The District presents this award to a person who has made an outstanding contribution in the community through communication and leadership.

  • Queen's Jubilee Medal

    Governor General

    For exemplary philanthropic and community work.

  • OPPI Honorary Membership

    Ontario Professional Planners Institute


    In 2008, Mr. Rossi was made an Honorary Member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute. Honorary Membership recognizes the work of non-planners who advance the cause of planning. The decision signals the ongoing commitment of Ontario planners to fostering healthy communities and acknowledges Mr. Rossi’s contribution to promoting exercise and fitness as part of a healthy lifestyle.

  • Chair's Proud Partner Award

    Baycrest Hospital and Research Centre

    Honouring extraordinary commitment to Baycrest's Mission

  • Internet Marketing Innovator of the Year

    International Advertising Age

    Named 1 of 14 Internet Marketing Innovators of the Year globally for 2000 by International Advertising Age

  • Allen Oliver Prize

    McGill University

    For graduating top of the class in undergraduate social sciences at McGill University.

  • Greville Smith Scholarship

    McGill University

    Full scholarship "awarded to outstanding students entering an undergraduate course of study at McGill University who have shown promise of future success and responsible citizenship. While academic standing is of primary importance, account will also be taken of qualities of leadership and participation in community affairs, student government or athletics."

  • Business Excellence Award

    Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association (CIBPA)

    For outstanding leadership as President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Recommendations received

  • LinkedIn User

    LinkedIn User

    “Mr. Rossi is rare and brilliant. He combines compassion with business acumen. He employs great listening skills with proven results. Mr. Rossi is one of those rare individuals that I have had the pleasure of meeting that can accomplish anything that he sets out to complete. In sum, I would rate Mr. Rossi as one of the most effective and brilliant individuals I have met. If you have the opportunity to work, partner or add Mr. Rossi to your team, you should do so without the slightest of hesitation.”

  • Click here to view Roger Nair’s profile

    Roger Nair

    “Rocco is an excellent individual with inherent leadership qualities.It is always a delight working with him.”

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