Hy Isenbaum, Former Chair, Board of Directors  

 
Mr. Hy Isenbaum was Chair of the Board of Directors of Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. from 1999 until 2008. He became Chair when Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. was formed through an amalgamation of Bioniche Inc., Renaissance Life Sciences Inc., and Vetrepharm Animal Health Inc.  

Mr. Isenbaum was a Fellow Chartered Accountant and the founder of the firm Soberman, Isenbaum and Colomby. As the Managing Partner, a position he held until 1993, he built his firm to be the 15th largest accounting practice in Canada. He was a Chairman of the Board and Chairman Emeritus of the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. He was appointed by the Ontario Ministry of Health as Ombudsman to the Medical Review Committee of the College of Physicians and Surgeons. He served on the Board of Directors of the Samuel Lumenfeld Research Institute in Toronto and was instrumental in the establishment of the Institute. Mr. Isenbaum was also a Governor of the Weizman Institute of Science in Israel and sat on the Boards of a number of private and public companies.  

In his role with the Bioniche Board of Directors, Mr. Isenbaum contributed financial expertise and vigilance regarding the Company’s financial dealings. Additionally, he provided a high level, conservative, ethical tone that permeates the Company today in all departments, including accounting, marketing, regulatory affairs, and product development, as well as the overall conduct of the business.  

The Hy Isenbaum Award  
In honour of Mr. Isenbaum’s extensive contributions to Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., the “Hy Isenbaum Award” was created in 2008. It will be presented annually to the Bioniche employee who best epitomizes the Bioniche spirit. Employees who consistently exemplify the attributes of the company spirit, values, beliefs and image attributes – whether at work or in the community – are eligible for this award and may be nominated by his/her peers.  

2008 Recipient 
   

The first recipient of the Hy Isenbaum Award is Rick Culbert, President of Bioniche Food Safety. Rick joined Bioniche (then Vetrepharm Inc.) in 1980 as Ontario Regional Manager. He has held progressively senior roles in the Animal Health division of the Company before being appointed as President of Bioniche Animal Health Canada, Inc. in 2002. He was promoted to President of Bioniche Food Safety in July, 2007. Here are some of Rick’s attributes, as outlined in his nomination:  

“Always acknowledges contribution of team members”
“Looks for a win-win solution in all endeavours and for all participants”
“Is an excellent Bioniche community ambassador”
“Is passionate about his beliefs and his ideas regarding Bioniche and the success of the company”  

Congratulations, Rick.