Don Mattrick, BC-based technology and investment leader, is the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business 2017 Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year.
The award is given to leaders who have achieved success through their business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.
“We’re so pleased to recognize Don as our 2017 recipient,” says Peter Gustavson, chair of the selection committee. “We’re especially excited to honour a resident of our city. Don is an icon in the technology and gaming space, and represents the drive and entrepreneurial spirit that is supported at the school of business.”
Mattrick spent more than three decades in the technology sector, turning start-ups into major firms and setting the standard for video game development in North America.
Mattrick held positions as the CEO of Zynga, a social media gaming company; president of Microsoft’s entertainment businesses, overseeing the exponential growth of the Xbox 360 and PC gaming businesses; president of Worldwide Studios for Electronic Arts (EA); and was co-founder and CEO of Distinctive Software Inc., which became EA.
Mattrick has served on several public and private boards, including the advisory board for the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts and is currently serving as co-chair of the Premier’s Technology Council.
In addition to being honoured as the 2017 Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year, Mattrick is an Honorary Fellow with the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia and holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Simon Fraser University.
Mattrick will receive his award at the Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year gala on May 8.