The Board of Directors at the Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan announced today that Dr. Nancy Tout (PhD) will serve as the institute’s Interim Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Tout’s appointment, effective March 1, 2026, will support continuity as GIFS’ current Executive Director and CEO, Dr. Steven R. Webb (PhD), retires at the end of February.
Tout will serve in this interim role as the GIFS CEO Search Committee concludes its ongoing search for a new Executive Director and CEO.
“On behalf of the Board and the whole team at GIFS, I want to thank Dr. Steven Webb again for his visionary leadership, which helped GIFS establish world-class programs and technology platforms that are now supporting impactful collaborations across Canada and abroad,” said GIFS Board Chair Alanna Koch.
“As we wish Steve well in retirement, we’re fortunate to welcome Dr. Nancy Tout back to GIFS. Nancy previously served as GIFS’ first Chief Scientific Officer and she is currently the Chair of our International Scientific Advisory Panel. This foundation, as well as her diverse scientific and business experience, will support continuity through this transition as we advance our mission and bring leading-edge expertise and capabilities to our partners and stakeholders.”
In her former role as Chief Scientific Officer at GIFS, Tout helped establish the institute’s market-facing programs, platform technologies, and highly skilled team. While at GIFS, she provided leadership to several transformative initiatives, including the formation of a national consortium to accelerate Canadian pea breeding. Upon stepping down as CSO in 2024, Tout began serving as Chair of GIFS’ International Scientific Advisory Panel.
“It’s my honour to return to GIFS, a one-of-a-kind institute equipped with the expertise, technologies, and collaborative spirit that Canada’s innovation sector needs,” said Tout.
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