2023 Strategic Program Speakers

Yvonne Denz is President & CEO of the Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Inc (CGCIC), a not-for-profit organization that has been supporting German and Canadian companies in almost all areas of international trade for over 50 years. Recognized by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) as the official representative of German trade and industry in Canada, and the primary contact for Canadian and German companies wishing to do business in each other's countries, it provides services, networking, and education to help these businesses thrive. CGCIC also hosts the German Secretariat of the Energy Partnership with Canada, which coordinates bilateral hydrogen activities between Natural Resources Canada and BMWK — including activities to advance the newly-formed Canada-Germany Hydrogen Alliance. 

Yvonne studied economics in Marburg, Fribourg (Switzerland), and Berlin. She has extensive hands-on professional experience in international markets and a strong background in foreign trade promotion. During her career in Canada, she has developed a deep understanding of the Canadian economy and of German Canadian trade relations. She reports on emerging trends and topics which are relevant to industry in both countries and advises German businesses in all sectors that are currently operating, or wish to start, in Canada.