Pierre Lassonde

Pierre Lassonde is an entrepreneur, mining executive, and philanthropist known as a co-founder and leader of the gold-focused royalty company Franco-Nevada.

With a career spanning decades, Lassonde played a key role in developing the royalty and streaming business model in the resource sector, establishing Franco-Nevada as a standard in mining finance and gold investment. Lassonde's expertise in mining economics and resource markets has positioned him as a frequent speaker at mining conferences, investment forums, and academic institutions.

Lassonde has held senior leadership and board positions across the mining industry, guiding companies through commodity cycles and periods of growth. At Franco-Nevada, he directed the expansion of a diversified portfolio of royalties and streams on major gold and resource projects, contributing to the firm's reputation for low-risk exposure to commodities. Lassonde has written and spoken extensively on mining investment, gold markets, and resource economics, reinforcing his role as both a practitioner and industry commentator.

Lassonde's influence extends to education and research, where he has supported engineering, innovation, and entrepreneurship programs. He has contributed to initiatives such as the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah and the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University, supporting the development of engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Through these efforts, Lassonde has promoted hands-on learning, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the commercialization of new technologies, frequently addressing students and faculty on leadership and risk management in the mining and resource sectors.

Lassonde's work in business and education has been recognized with honors from industry organizations and universities, reflecting his professional accomplishments and commitment to philanthropy. He regularly shares insights on navigating market cycles, building sustainable enterprises, and the importance of giving back, engaging audiences that include investors, industry professionals, students, and entrepreneurs.