Effective August 17, 2020, John Kelly will become Deputy Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. 

The Cabinet Office cited him as an innovative, strategic and recognized senior executive in the agricultural and food sectors. His experience spans private (large global multi-national companies and start-ups), public and not-for-profit sectors. With a career spanning more than 25 years, he has held senior level roles in organizations such as DNAstack Inc., Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association and MaRS Landing.

Kelly is currently the Chief Innovation Officer with the Bioenterprise Corporation, where he is responsible for leading acceleration of agri-tech business ventures. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). He brings extensive Board of Directors experience with start-ups, science-based organizations and multinational companies. 

In the interim, David Hagarty, assistant deputy minister of policy division, will act as deputy minister for one week starting August 10.  

Source:  The Cabinet Office of Ontario  August 6, 2020 announcement