A 39 year veteran of uniformed service to Canada, Mark Norman retired from the Royal Canadian Navy in the rank of Vice-Admiral in August of 2019 after a high-profile public legal challenge. He is now applying his energy and passion to new challenges. As a CGAI Fellow, Norman intends to explore naval strategy, maritime affairs, defence policy and procurement with particular interests in the Arctic and the South China Sea.
Having joined the navy as a reservist at the age of 17 looking for an interesting summer job, Norman started as diesel mechanic in 1980 and rose through the ranks to be the Vice-Chief of Defence - the second highest appointment in the Canadian Armed Forces. His military career has seen him serve at sea domestically and internationally, command a warship, the Atlantic Fleet and ultimately the Royal Canadian Navy itself. He also has extensive experience in a variety of appointments training sailors, supporting operations, strategic planning and managing major procurement projects.
Norman holds a degree in Economics from Queens University, and is also a graduate of several professional education programs including executive leadership courses with the United States Armed Forces. He has been awarded several medals and commendations over his career including the Order of Military Merit and the US Legion of Merit.
An innovative institutional leader with a proven track-record of over three decades of success in complex operations, analysis, project management, planning and leading strategic change, Norman is motivated by dynamic organizations that see value in people, seek continuous improvement and contribute positively to society.
Mark is an avid cyclist and alpine skier, a poor golfer and a self-proclaimed “car-nut”.
