The Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Cook as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective late January 2026.
Steven joins the Foundation following seven highly successful years as Executive Director of the Belleville General Hospital Foundation, where he led the organization through a period of transformational growth and record-setting fundraising performance. Most recently, he oversaw the largest fundraising year in the Foundation’s history, driven by major donor expansion, innovative community campaigns, and large-scale lottery programs that significantly broadened the organization’s donor base and revenue diversification.
During his tenure, Steven delivered multiple complex capital campaigns in support of priority clinical infrastructure, including major investments in nuclear medicine modernization and hospital capacity expansion projects.
Steven brings more than a decade of senior leadership experience across healthcare philanthropy, professional sport, and international sponsorship and brand activation. Prior to his work in Canada, he held senior fundraising leadership roles in the United Kingdom, including heading a regional hospice fundraising team supporting palliative care services across multiple communities.
He also served as Commercial Director of Wrexham Football Club, overseeing revenue growth, partnerships, and commercial strategy during a pivotal period in the club’s history—later chronicled in the award-winning Disney documentary series that brought global attention to the town following its acquisition by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Earlier in his career, Steven worked in global sports sponsorship and event activation, including a regional leadership role with The R&A and Sodexo Prestige during The Open Championship, managing high-profile corporate partnerships and international stakeholders.
In parallel with his professional leadership, Steven is currently completing his Executive MBA at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.
“Steven brings an exceptional combination of healthcare fundraising expertise, commercial acumen, and international leadership experience,” said Victor Sgro, Chair of the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. “His track record of delivering major campaigns, building high-performing teams, and driving sustainable revenue growth makes him ideally suited to lead the Foundation into its next chapter.”
Steven said he is honoured to join the organization at a pivotal time for healthcare in Durham Region.
“Ajax Pickering Hospital plays a vital role in the health and wellbeing of this community. I am excited to work alongside the Board, staff, donors, and hospital leadership to strengthen philanthropic support, expand impact, and help ensure patients and families continue to receive exceptional care close to home.”
