Meet CVCA’s New Senior Director of Policy and Government Affairs: Hendrik Brakel

We are thrilled to welcome Hendrik Brakel to the CVCA as our new Senior Director of Policy and Government Affairs. Hendrik brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the organization and will play a pivotal role in advancing CVCA’s mission to promote and support the growth of Canada’s venture capital and private equity industry.

From Parliament Hill to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Hendrik has had an extensive career in economics and public policy. Over the past decade, he has built a reputation as a leading expert in these fields and has had the opportunity to shape the national conversation about some of the most critical issues facing Canada today. Whether working with stakeholders, corporations, or economists, Hendrik has proven to be an invaluable resource for those who seek his advice and expertise.

Previously, Hendrik served as the Chief Economist and Senior Director of Economic, Financial, and Tax Policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. There, he was responsible for researching and writing complex policy projects aimed at achieving change and shaping government policy. He worked with businesses and other associations to provide expert analysis and actionable recommendations on a wide range of issues, quickly establishing himself as one of the most sought-after experts in taxation, innovation, business regulation, and more. Brakel was frequently called upon to deliver presentations and to speak at conferences and briefings on the economic outlook and public policy issues.

Hendrik’s next role was as the Chief Economic Advisor to the Leader of the Official Opposition. He was responsible for leading the development of the economic/​business chapters of the Conservative platform for the 2019 and 2021 campaigns. His team was tasked with conducting in-depth research into economic issues and public finance and developing detailed policy recommendations for the leader. Hendrik’s expertise and leadership skills helped to guide the conversation about critical issues such as competitiveness, financial crises, the effects of austerity measures, and other vital matters. He was promoted to Director of Policy and Parliamentary Affairs.

Brakel is fluent in both English and French and holds a Master of Public Policy and International Affairs from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa, as well as a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in International Management from the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa. 

We’re excited to have Hendrik onboard and ready to work closely with CVCA’s members to mobilize and convince governments to adopt policies that are beneficial to investors, to support the growth and creation of Canadian companies and jobs, to turbo-charge innovation in Canada, and to secure the retirement ambitions of middle-class Canadians.