Hiten Makim
Fmr. Vice President, Finance & Operations, Fmr. Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). Hiten Makim A dynamic and accomplished leader, Hiten Makim brings a unique global perspective to his extensive expertise in finance, management, strategic negotiations, accounting, financial reporting, governance, and risk management. Born in Uganda and of Indian descent, he later became a Canadian citizen—an experience that has enriched his professional outlook and distinguished his career. Early Education and Professional Foundation Hiten’s academic journey began at the University of Waterloo, where he earned a degree in accounting and finance. His rigorous education laid the foundational principles of financial management, shareholder value creation, and organizational motivation—principles that have been instrumental throughout his career. His academic excellence and unwavering dedication to professional development culminated in the Chartered Accountant (CA) designation, positioning him for impactful leadership roles. Early Career at KPMG and Samsung Hiten launched his professional career at KPMG immediately after graduation, starting as an audit articling student and progressing to audit manager. During his time at KPMG, he led audits for major clients, including Samsung. Recognizing his talent and potential, Samsung invited him to join as their lead Finance Director in Canada, overseeing operations during a critical expansion phase. In this role, Hiten established the infrastructure and policies necessary for Samsung’s successful growth across North America, including [specific examples of his work]. Executive Leadership at Macdonald Dettweller and Associates (MDA) Hiten’s distinguished career was further solidified at MDA, a leading aerospace and defence technology company. He joined MDA as Director of Finance for the Robotics Division and advanced to serve as Chief Financial OWicer (CFO). Over 24 years, he demonstrated exceptional leadership across diverse departments—including HR, Legal/Contracts, IT, and Finance—managing operations across multiple international jurisdictions. He was responsible for designing and implementing key financial systems and internal controls that supported the company’s rapid expansion while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational integrity. Additionally, he held significant governance responsibilities, providing oversight and strategic guidance to ensure eWective management of risks, compliance, and organizational integrity. As part of his role, Hiten spearheaded the company’s strategic growth in the United States, developing and executing plans that expanded MDA’s footprint and business opportunities in the US market. He successfully led multiple acquisitions and divestitures, orchestrated cross-border projects, and managed operations at MDA’s Houston division, overseeing more than 2,000 engineers stationed at NASA’s Johnson and Kennedy Space Centers. His skill in navigating complex public-private partnerships and high-stakes negotiations resulted in landmark agreements such as the Radarsat-2 project. Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing MDA’s innovative land registration division in collaboration with the UK government, streamlining real estate transactions to prevent gazumping (a British term for when a contract is nullified for any reason). International Negotiations and Dispute Resolution Hiten’s negotiation expertise extends globally. He has skillfully handled disputes and contractual agreements involving Russia, India, Ukraine, and the US. He was the chief negotiator in resolving a legal dispute related to the Lybid communication satellite project between Ukraine and Russia, working closely with Canada’s Foreign AWairs, Export Development Canada (EDC), MFAIT, and Canadian ambassadors. He also played a significant role in negotiating contracts with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), supporting the development and deployment of Canada’s renowned robotic systems—including the Canadarm—and satellite initiatives like RCM and RADARSAT-2. Recent Focus: Supporting Innovation and Startups in Ontario Today, Hiten is dedicated to leveraging his vast experience to support the growth of startups and scale-ups in Ontario. He serves as Head of Finance, Operations, and One Eleven at the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). OCI actively connects Ontario’s researchers, industry, and funding sources to commercialize innovative technologies. The division, One Eleven, has a proven track record of nurturing successful companies such as Wealthsimple and further advancing Ontario’s innovation ecosystem.