Rocco Rossi

Rocco Rossi is the President and CEO of Shift25, a non-profit organization focused on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Canada. He was appointed as the inaugural CEO on May 2, 2024, following a successful tenure as President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, where he served for six years.12

Background and Career

• Education and Early Career: Rocco Rossi has a diverse professional background that spans business, politics, philanthropy, and advocacy. He has held various leadership roles in both the private and non-profit sectors.

• Previous Roles: Before his position at Shift25, Rossi was notably the CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. He also led the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario and has been involved in numerous initiatives aimed at community development and economic growth.13

Vision for Shift25

In his new role at Shift25, Rossi aims to promote a culture that celebrates innovation and risk-taking among Canadians. He expressed enthusiasm for the organization's mission to shift perceptions from "Oh Canada" to "Go Canada," emphasizing a proactive approach to entrepreneurship.12 Under his leadership, Shift25 is expected to continue initiatives like Shift Failure, which educates students about embracing failure as a part of learning and success.1

Personal Insights

Rossi is known for his strategic vision and passion for driving positive change. His leadership style combines a focus on innovation with a commitment to empowering youth, making him well-suited for guiding Shift25 into its next phase of growth.12