Brian Thompson Appointed President & CEO

The Board of Directors of the Montreal General Hospital Foundation (MGHF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Thompson to succeed Stephanie Riddell as the MGHF’s President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 10, 2025.

“Please join us in warmly welcoming Brian to the MGHF and in extending our heartfelt thanks to Stephanie Riddell for her nine years of service to the Foundation,” says Elise Nesbitt, Chair of the MGHF Board of Directors. “Brian brings extensive experience in health affairs and fundraising, with a proven track record of building strong partnerships and advancing medical research. We are confident his leadership, vision, and commitment to healthcare will strengthen the Foundation’s impact and inspire new opportunities to transform care.”

In his previous role as Executive Director, Health Affairs, University Advancement at McGill University, Brian Thompson has overseen advancement operations for the Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry, the Ludmer Centre, and the Goodman Cancer Research Centre, while also fostering collaborations with the Montreal Neurological Institute and the teaching hospitals. He and his team were responsible for a goal of $350M as part of McGill’s Made by McGill Campaign. Previously, Brian served as CEO of the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation in Halifax, where he successfully led initiatives to support innovative medical research.

Let’s Transform Healthcare Together 

“It is an honour to have the opportunity to lead the Montreal General Hospital Foundation and take its important mission to new heights,” says Brian Thompson, President and CEO of the MGHF. “Healthcare philanthropy is a cause close to my heart, and the tremendous work the Foundation has accomplished to date is nothing short of inspiring. Thank you to the Board of Directors for entrusting me with this important role, to outgoing President and CEO Stephanie Riddell for her incredible work, and to all donors for supporting the Foundation’s initiatives. I look forward to transforming healthcare together,”

To ensure a smooth transition, Stephanie Riddell will continue to support the Foundation as Special Advisor to the CEO through December 2025.

Stephanie joined the MGHF in 2017 after a meaningful philanthropic career at her alma mater McGill University. Her current appointment began in 2023, when she was promoted from Vice-President, Development. Throughout her tenure, Stephanie has been instrumental in developing and leading many of the Foundation’s priority initiatives and campaigns, including Together Against Cancer, the Future of Surgery, and more. She also oversaw the CODE LiFE campaign, which raised over $110M for vital care. She contributed to shaping the Foundation’s new branding and mission and personified the MGHF’s commitment to transforming healthcare.

A Philanthropic Vision of the Future 

“We are deeply grateful to Stephanie Riddell for her nine years of dedication and her continued support during this transition,” says Elise Nesbitt. “A passionate and hands-on leader, Stephanie has been an inspiring ambassador of our mission, as evidenced by the authentic relationships she has built with major donors and medical leaders alike. Her philanthropic vision has contributed to the Foundation’s impact on healthcare and greatly increased public engagement in our mission. Thanks to the united efforts of Stephanie and the leadership team, the MGHF funds transformative initiatives, invests in medical innovation, and collaborates with other institutions – for impact throughout the province and beyond.”

“It has been a true privilege to be of service as President and CEO of our very unique and impactful healthcare Foundation,” says Stephanie Riddell. “The Montreal General Hospital Foundation embraces a legacy of knowledge and tradition with a bold, forward-looking vision of transformation. In this positive spirit of evolution, I thank the Board, donors, medical teams, and our staff; together, we’ve accomplished some truly amazing things. I know that with Brian Thompson at the helm, especially considering his McGill background, the Foundation’s future is in excellent hands. Thank you most sincerely for your trust, support, and the invaluable time we have spent together.”

The Foundation thanks Stephanie Riddell for her outstanding service and welcomes Brian Thompson as its new President and CEO.