After 35 years leading Franco-Nevada, Pierre Lassonde – the founder of the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business – retired from the company when he stepped down as chairman of the board earlier this month. The milestone concluded an epic career with the company he co-founded in 1985 and grew to its current valuation of $38 billion.
Lassonde founded what is now the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute in 2001. His initial vision was to create an entrepreneur center that would provide transformative experiences by bringing students from all disciplines together to collaborate on new initiatives, technologies, and companies. That vision has grown to reach thousands of students, and Lassonde has continued his support as the institute’s lead sponsor and visionary. His generous donations support programs, scholarships, and Lassonde Studios.
Beyond his many professional accomplishments, he is a leading philanthropist in areas including education and the arts, he holds seven honorary Ph.D.’s from universities including the University of Utah, and he was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 2001.