James Topham

Biography

Mr. Topham was an audit partner leading KPMG's Technology Group in the Vancouver office for 20 years, where he worked with many fast growing public companies and was involved in many mergers and acquisitions as well as initial public offering transactions in Canada, the US and Europe. Mr. Topham founded Social Venture Partners Vancouver in 2001 with a mission to strengthen the organizational capacity of innovative non-profits serving children in-need and youth at-risk. It has funded several million dollars and provided thousands of hours of executive time mentoring these local non-profits. Since retiring at KPMG 9 years ago, Mr. Topham has served as a director on the board of several public and private technology companies, including, most recently, a 6 year tenure on the board of directors of a public telecom company - Norsat International. He is a Certified Professional Accountant and has a Bachelor of Commerce degree with Honours from the University of Saskatchewan graduating as the most distinguished graduate in the College of Commerce. He is a founder of the BC Technology Industry Association that represents the technology industry in British Columbia, and also served as a member of its board of directors for 9 years. For his career achievements in the profession and community, Mr. Topham was awarded the designation of Fellow Chartered Public Accountant from the Chartered Public Accountants of British Columbia, as well as a lifetime achievement award from the BC Technology Industry Association.

Research Interest

Business Administration