Randall Howard

Chairman at VERDEXUS portfolio investments iotum and Maintenance Assistant

2011 winner, BMath 1975 Computer Science

Randall Howard
Randall Howard is a senior serial technology executive committed to building world leading, high growth technology organizations through the transatlantic “Venture 2.0” boutique VERDEXUS. Randall is "hands-on" chairman at VERDEXUS portfolio investments iotum and Maintenance Assistant. From its acquisition in May 2004 to April 2006, Randall served as CEO of portfolio company, Coreworx, since acquired by Acorn Energy (NASDAQ: ACFN).

He began his career managing software at the world-leading UWaterloo research lab, Computer Communications Networks Group, followed by his first startup, U.S.-based Coherent. Returning to Canada in 1984, he founded Mortice Kern Systems (MKS), one of Canada's leading enterprise software vendors and whose products optimize internal software development for Global 1000 companies. As founder, chairman and CEO he led growth to $45 million revenue and 375 employees worldwide, including seven acquisitions.

To jumpstart the Waterloo investment scene, he helped launch "Golden Triangle AngelNet" where he serves as board member and chair of the Selection Committee. He is also on the Wireless Advisory Panel at MaRS and Dean’s Advisory Council for Laurier Business. He is a past founding director of Communitech and formerly CFO of Uniforum Association. Randall has served a huge array of firms in board/advisor roles including Gore Mutual Insurance, Iotum, Coreworx, Necho, GoodContacts, Whitehill Technologies, Waterloo Maple Software, ARISE Technologies, and Nanodesign; many of which were successfully acquired or taken public.

Randall holds an honours BMath from University of Waterloo, was the 1997 High Technology Entrepreneur of the Year and the 2005 recipient of the Impact Award from Communitech. He is active as a social entrepreneur being treasurer of Roseneath Theatre Company, co-founder/director of Elora Environment Centre, and chair of the new Centre Wellington Community Foundation.