James Appleyard

James Appleyard is the current Chair at Gardiner Museum. James has held previous positions at Haventree Bank, Citylitics Inc., Freycinet Ventures, Massey College, and Artez Interactive. Appleyard has been with Gardiner Museum since January 2005.

At Haventree Bank, Appleyard was responsible for the management and growth of the bank’s commercial lending portfolio. James was successful in increasing loan production and profitability while maintaining high credit quality.

At Citylitics Inc., Appleyard was a co-founder and served as the company’s President & CEO. Citylitics was a leading provider of civic engagement software that empowered citizens to connect with their local government. Under Appleyard’s leadership, the company grew to serve over 200 municipalities across Canada.

Appleyard also has experience in the investment industry. James was a founding partner of Freycinet Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund. James also served as a Director on the Board of Massey College, University of Toronto.

Appleyard’s most recent position was at Artez Interactive, where they served as CEO & Chairman from 2009 to 2013. Artez was a leading provider of multi-channel (web, social, mobile) ‘Friendship Powered Fundraising’ solutions for non-profit fundraising organizations. Appleyard was with Artez since the company first launched its S

James Appleyard's educational career began at North Toronto Collegiate Institute, where they completed their secondary schooling. James then went on to the University of Toronto - University of Trinity College, where they completed a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations Specialist with an English Minor. After working for several years, they decided to pursue a Master of Business Administration at the University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management. Upon completing their MBA, they enrolled in an Executive Program on Exponential Technologies & Future Forecasting at SingularityU in Mountainview CA. James has also completed a course on Private Equity & Venture Capital at Harvard Business School Executive Education.