Peter Vilks received his B.Sc.E.E. from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1970 (Dean’s List).  Several years later he was registered as a Professional Engineer in Ontario.   While working, he attended evening classes at McMaster and completed his MBA degree requirements in 1984.  In the early 1970’s he was a peer reviewer and published “Impedance/Frequency Loci for Transmission Lines Adjacent to High voltage Direct Current Conversion Stations” (IEEE, and IE).

McMaster University (2003 – present) – Assistant Professor (Teaching Track) as of July 1, 2011:  Prior to that, Peter held consecutive Contractually Limited Appointments since 2004 after starting as a Sessional Lecturer in 2003.  He teaches in four different programs: Undergraduate Business (senior year courses), MBA (senior year courses), Master of Communication Management (Humanities Faculty, jointly with Syracuse University), and Executive Education Programs at DeGroote’s Ron Joyce Centre in Burlington.  Also runs workshops on Mission, Policy, Strategic Management and Governance.  Recipient of multiple teaching awards.

Brantford Hydro Inc. (2000 – 2002) – Chairman and later CEO: Negotiated and approved governance matters confronting the deregulated hydro company as a market responsive entity.  Charted course for energy commodity transaction, ancillary equipment rentals, energy service enterprises, independent generation projects, and implementation of Brantford’s evolving fibre-optic strategy.

Union Gas Limited (1995 – 1998) – General Manager Business Markets:  Set strategic direction for industrial and commercial customers from which $450 million in revenues were derived.  Led efforts to create de-regulated entity focusing on technology application and service.

Spar Aerospace Limited (1991 – 1995) - Senior Manager Business Development:  Mandated to penetrate US military and international airline markets for Canada’s premier aerospace company.  Focus on space robotics, informatics and aviation industries.

Westinghouse Canada Inc. (1970 – 1991) - Director of Business Development and Government Relations:  Acted as liaison with American parent on new ventures and marketing of US product into Canada.  Spearheaded portfolio rejuvenation involving commercialization of patents, screening potential acquisition candidates, conducting due diligence and taking primary management roles in newly-acquired businesses.

A long-standing and active member of various Latvian organizations: Hamilton Latvian School, Hamilton Cubs and Scouts, Hamilton Latvian Society (past Chair).  Was also co-Chair for Sidrabene’s Splash Committee in the successful project to raise money and install a swimming pool in Sidrabene.