William (Bill) Troost is an outstanding Canadian business leader and philanthropist. Upon graduating from the University of Toronto’s Chemical Engineering program and obtaining his MBA from Western University, Mr. Troost founded Peel Plastic Products. Under his leadership, the company grew to become an important employer and contributor to Canada’s manufacturing exports. He still serves as President today.
Bill Troost has generously given back to the University of Toronto and Canada throughout his career. He has served for over a decade on the advisory board of the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, offering his advice and perspective, and significantly raising the level of board engagement. His support and commitment to innovative leadership education was instrumental in the development of the Institute for Leadership Education in Engineering (ILead). He and his wife, Kathleen, have contributed to numerous undergraduate needs-based scholarships at the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and have supported the construction of the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship. In recognition of his longstanding dedication and tremendous generosity, ILead was renamed the Troost Institute for Leadership Education in Engineering in 2018. Mr. Troost has also made extensive philanthropic contributions to a number of other worthy causes, including Western University, the United Way, Brampton Memorial Hospital and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Mr. Troost was previously honoured by the University of Toronto with the Engineering Alumni Hall of Distinction Award, and with an Arbor Award for his volunteer contributions. In 2018, he received an honorary degree from Western University.