Hugh Gillard is a retired oil industry executive who achieved success in business, his community and in life despite looking and speaking being “different”.
Hugh was born with a cleft lip and palate (CLP) including a severe speech impediment, hearing loss and unusual facial features. As a child, a teenager and as an adult he faced and overcame many obstacles and challenges including social rejection, stigma and discrimination.
Born in the heart of Central Alberta and raised on a cattle ranch near Coronation until his parents retired and moved to Okotoks Mr. Gillard gained a unique perspective on life as a child and young adult. In 1972 he earned his Bachelor of Commerce Degree before joining the oil industry where he spent his entire career.
Hugh retired as a successful executive having served as President of CanWest Marketing, PrimeWest Energy and Kelso Energy and on multiple boards of directors of public companies. He has always had a strong commitment to his community including serving as President of the Okotoks Lions Club, Chairman of Hospice Calgary, Chairman of the Calgary Zoo Board and currently a director of the Magical Moments Foundation (USA). Today, he and his wife Rosie of 37years reside in Calgary. They have two daughters and five grandchildren.
Mr. Gillard authored “What Did You Say? Memories on a Road Less Travelled”, an inspirational, candid and humorous memoir (www.hughgillard.com) with 100% of gross proceeds being donated to cleft related charities. Total sales or donations because of the book now exceed $28,000.
Hugh has been featured on CTV’s Inspired Albertan (hosted by Darrel Janz) and as a keynote speaker at medical conferences, most recently to over 300 doctors at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Recently he was given the rare privilege, as a non-scientist or medical professional, of being ask to write a chapter for a major medical journal.