The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan is pleased to announce the successful hiring of its new Director of Finance, Chris Knihnitski. Knihnitski’s appointment takes effect from Monday, May 3, 2021.
A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Knihnitski is joining GIFS from the role of Director of Finance and Interim Chief Operating Officer at TCU Place. Prior to TCU Place he gained skills and experience, including in information technology (IT) systems, through various senior accounting roles with Cameco Corporation, NSC Minerals Ltd. and Viterra Canada Inc.
“We are pleased to have Chris join our team at GIFS, contributing to stewarding our resources and the execution of our corporate strategy,” GIFS Director of Strategic Partnerships and Chief Operating officer Steve Visscher CBE said. “I believe his wealth of experience and proven leadership will be a valuable asset to GIFS.”
Knihnitski will have full responsibility for GIFS’ financial functions and will provide leadership to its Finance team. In addition, he will be a member of GIFS’ Institute Management (executive) Team, its Science Operations Team and its Plant Phenotyping and Imaging Research Centre’s Program Management Team.
“I am excited at the opportunity to join GIFS and work with a team of people dedicated to advancing sustainable food security through innovation and a strong focus on collaborating with stakeholders,” Knihnitski said. “I look forward to helping GIFS achieve its goals in this regard.”
Knihnitski earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting from the University of Regina, followed by his CPA designation in 2012.