is the founder and Chairman of Magna Entertainment Corp. (MEC), North America's No. 1 owner and operator of horse racetracks, based on revenue. He is also founder and Chairman of Magna International Inc., one of the world's largest and most diversified suppliers of automotive components, systems and modules.
In addition, Mr. Stronach is one of the top horse owners and breeders in North America. Among his winners are Ghostzapper, sired by Awesome Again and winner of the 2004 Breeders' Cup Classic; Perfect Sting, 2000 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare turf champion; Macho Uno, 2000 Breeders' Cup Juvenile champion; Red Bullet, the 2000 Preakness Stakes champion; Golden Missile, triumphant in the 2000 Pimlico Special; Awesome Again, victor in the 1998 Breeders' Cup Classic and the richest Canadian-bred with earnings in excess of $4.3 million; Touch Gold (in partnership with Stonerside Stables), 1997 Belmont Stakes champion; and Glorious Song (in partnership with Nelson Bunker Hunt), 1980 Eclipse Award winner (top older filly and mare).
Racing accolades bestowed on Mr. Stronach include the Eclipse Award in 2000, 1999 and 1998 as outstanding owner; the Eclipse Award in 2000 for top breeder; and Canada's Sovereign Award as leading owner in 2003, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1995, 1994 and 1993; and as leading breeder in 1999, 1998, 1997 and 1984.
Mr. Stronach has served on numerous corporate, government and university boards over the years and has provided assistance to a wide range of charitable and community service organizations.
He is the recipient of a Doctor of Philosophy, Honoris Causa from Haifa University in Israel, a Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa LL.D. from the University College of Cape Breton, and a Doctor of Commerce, Honoris Causa from St. Mary's University in Halifax.
In 1996, Mr. Stronach was inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.
He won the 1997 "Business Leader of the Year Award" from the Richard Ivey School of Business and the 1998 "Entrepreneur of the Year Award" from the University of Michigan.
In 1999 he was named a recipient of the Order of Canada and in 2000 he won the Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award."
In 2002, the Canadian Council for International Business named Mr. Stronach the 2001 "Canadian International Executive of the Year," and in Austria he received the Gold Medal from the City of Vienna for "meritorious service" in economic, cultural and social activities.
In 2004 he received the Yves Landry Foundation "Person of the Year" Award for his achievement in promoting technological education and technical skills training, and in 2005 he received the B'nai B'rith Canada Award of Merit. |