Brent Lakeman is director for Edmonton Global’s Hydrogen Initiative, where he is leading the Metropolitan Edmonton Region’s activities to position the region as Canada’s preeminent hydrogen hub. He collaborates with other regional partners in the transition to this low carbon fuel. Activities include working closely with other partners, including the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub, to attract industries to the region, grow the region’s hydrogen value chain, and support economic development within the region. 

Prior to joining Edmonton Global, Lakeman served as the executive director for teams within the Alberta government focused on the growth and diversification of the province’s economy, with a strong focus on the clean technology, life sciences and digital technology sectors. He has worked to foster partnerships between advanced technology enterprises and Alberta’s research and innovation system to drive growth of the knowledge economy, attract investments and accelerate diversification.

Lakeman has also had leadership roles at Alberta Innovates Technology Futures and the Alberta Research Council, including leading the organizations carbon and environmental management.  He has over 30 years of experience working on Alberta’s technology, energy, environment and economic diversification priorities. Lakeman holds a master’s degree in public administration from Queen University.