Mark Whitten

Background

About Mark Whitten

I spent 16 years building a career in enterprise technology sales, working with a range of organizations across software, hardware, professional services, and social media. Those years gave me a strong foundation in relationship-building, strategic thinking, and navigating complex stakeholder environments, all anchored by a genuine love of technology and people. In 2018, I made a purposeful pivot into academia, joining Toronto Metropolitan University’s Career & Co-op Centre (formerly Ryerson) as an individual contributor. I worked closely with STEM-focused employers to design and execute early talent recruitment strategies, eventually leading a team of specialists dedicated to employer engagement across all faculties. Along the way, I discovered a genuine passion for leading and developing people - helping others grow became just as rewarding as delivering outcomes. Most recently, I transitioned into TMU’s central research and innovation division, where I focus on building strategic collaborations between our research community and external partners in industry, government, and non-profits. My role allows me to combine my private-sector experience with a deep understanding of institutional research strengths to help drive high-impact partnerships. If you’re interested in connecting, collaborating, or learning more about the work I do - feel free to send me a message here.