Bio

Gregory Smith founded Instar in 2014 with a vision of investing in distinctive middle-market, North American companies to help them grow, thrive and become even better. With nearly 30 years of experience in the investment, operation, acquisition and financing of public and private companies, including infrastructure, real estate, power and utility businesses, Gregory has deep relationships across the private capital spectrum, an entrepreneurial spirit and a history of investing in essential businesses that deliver value to investors, communities, partners and other stakeholders. As Instar's President and CEO as well as Executive Committee Chair, Gregory leads a dynamic, growing team committed to innovation, long-term partnerships and investing with purpose to discover uncommon opportunities. Prior to founding Instar, Gregory was managing partner and head of Brookfield Financial’s global infrastructure advisory group. He was also the president of Macquarie Capital Funds Canada where he was responsible for Macquarie’s unlisted and listed funds business in Canada along with the management of Macquarie’s Canadian assets owned by offshore funds. Prior to Macquarie, Gregory was managing director at RBC Capital Partners and a managing director at Deloitte. Gregory offers significant governance expertise and has acted as a director or observer/advisor to the boards for several reporting issuers across a range of industry sectors. He has also served in an advisory capacity for private capital firms and associations such as the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships. Active in the private equity and venture capital sector since 1994, Gregory notably served for a number of years on the board of Canada’s Venture Capital & Private Equity Association, including as chair and president, where he advocated for strategies and programs to enhance the overall private capital ecosystem, accelerate Canadian growth businesses and create economic opportunity. Gregory is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Chartered Business Valuator, and holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen’s University.