Anil Arora has dedicated his professional career to partnering with the business sector, academia, internationally and with all three levels of government, building a culture of innovation, successfully delivering complex and transformational digital solutions, strengthened consumer and citizen trust, and increased organizational relevance and impact. Anil was appointed as the Chief Statistician of Canada in September 2016, overseeing the country's preeminent data agency and guiding improvements to its digital governance, technology and data infrastructure. He co-authored and helped steer the Government of Canada's 2023–2026 Data Strategy for the Federal Public Service.
With significant experience in the private and public sectors, as well as leading influential international forums in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations, Anil has helped shape the data and digital landscape domestically and globally. He currently provides consultative services globally with the World Bank, helping countries build robust data and digital strategies. Anil has advised CEOs, prime ministers, cabinet ministers, premiers, deputy ministers, and led business missions internationally.
Anil has authored several papers, is a regular keynote speaker and lecturer, and a sought-after thought leader. He is an adjunct lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School, teaching digital governance and leadership in the public sector. Anil has led large and complex organizations with multi-billion dollar budgets and tens of thousands of employees. Anil's leadership spans senior strategic roles in science, policy, program delivery and regulatory areas in the oil and gas sector, mining and critical minerals, forestry, nuclear, public health, drug safety, food, medical devices, and natural health products.
Anil has earned numerous accolades, including being named Outstanding Innovator (2023), One of the Top 25 Immigrants in Canada (2022), Policy Maker (2022), as well as receiving several leadership awards by the business community and the Association of Professional Executives of the Public Service of Canada (2009–2024).
Credentials
- Chief Statistician of Canada, Deputy Minister (Ret'd)
- Adjunct Lecturer, Harvard Kennedy School
- Global Digital Consultant, World Bank
