Lawrence Barns - CEO

Lawrence grew up within a family business that he eventually decided didn’t fit with his passions in life. As a result he is highly aware of the dynamics of a family in business together. He brings over 20 years of global business and charity experience from his career back to the family business environment in Canada.

As CEO of The Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE) his role is to lead CAFE in its mission to promote the understanding and well being of family business in Canada.  He took over the role in 2005 after serving for four years on the senior leadership team of a National charity in Canada. Prior to this role Lawrence spent 17 years in the banking industry based in  London, England and later Toronto.

Lawrence is an accomplished public speaker with a passionate and humorous approach to his audience. His personal highlight is speaking to a youth conference of 20,000 in Edmonton. Lawrence is an active volunteer involved in his children’s schools, minor sports and his community.

Lawrence and his family reside in Oakville, Ontario.