Robert W. Peck

2025 HHF LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Robert W. Peck, a committed Philhellene, dedicated much of his diplomatic career to fostering closer Canada-Greece ties.

Born in Montréal and shaped by his formative years in Africa, he graduated with a BA (History & Journalism) from Concordia University. His commitment to public service was solidified as an alumnus of the prestigious Parliamentary Internship Program (PIP).

Robert attributes his success to the unwavering support of his Greek-Canadian partner, Maria Pantazi Peck. Senior diplomatic assignments were as Ambassador to Algeria, Chief of Protocol of Canada and Press Secretary to the Foreign Minister. He served twice at the Canadian Embassy in Athens: first as Counsellor and later as Ambassador to Greece and Cyprus.

During his first term in Greece, Peck spearheaded key agreements including bilateral treaties in Audiovisual Co-Production and Mutual Legal Assistance. He launched a Canadian Embassy education resource center and a Greek graduate alumni network. His role in Canada’s artistic presence at Thessaloniki, Cultural Capital of Europe 1997, earned him a Canadian Foreign Minister’s Citation. The Greek State honoured his diplomatic achievements in 1998 with an appointment as “Grand Commander of the Order of the Phoenix”.

During Greece’s economic crisis, Ambassador Peck championed major Canadian investments, marked the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations and celebrated a new scholarship program at four Canadian universities funded at his request by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Robert also brokered a new partnership between Aghia Sophia Children’s Hospital in Athens and Toronto’s SickKids.

Notably to mark Holocaust remembrance, Robert led initiatives to highlight the Jewish legacy in Greece. He orchestrated a series of cultural diplomacy initiatives involving author Margaret Atwood, singers Diana Krall, Nana Mouskouri, Mary Linda and a tribute to Canadian opera legend, Teresa Stratas. As Ambassador he championed the legacy of Greek-Canadian, Ion Vorres O.C., founder of the Vorres Museum. Robert also advocated successfully for a Commonwealth WWI memorial honoring Canadian nursing sisters on Lemnos.

Post diplomacy, Robert served on the boards of Energean PLC, the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and led major fundraising campaigns, notably to renovate the new Canadian Institute in Greece (CIG).

He remains committed to deepening Canada-Greece ties through his active leadership in both the annual Toronto Economic Forum and The Hellenic Initiative Canada. In 2024, he chaired the organizing committee of the Toronto event honoring Prime Minister Mitsotakis and is an active supporter of the Greek International Film Festival Tour (GIFFT).

Robert takes pride in serving on the board of the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, a legacy of Canada’s 27th Governor General, which supports youth empowerment, diversity and inclusion. He continues to mentor young professionals in both Canada and Greece.