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The University of Manitoba has tapped a local as successor to outgoing president David Barnard.

Michael Benarroch will become the school’s 12th president and vice-chancellor on July 1, 2020, as Barnard finishes his 12th year in the role.

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Benarroch is currently the provost and vice-president academic at Ryerson University in Toronto, a role he’s held since 2017. Prior to that, he was the dean of the I.H. Asper School of Business at the U of M and was the found dean at the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Winnipeg.

“My years at the University of Manitoba were among the most rewarding of my career,” Benarroch said in a statement. “I am excited about the opportunity to return to the University of Manitoba as its next president and to contribute to the success of the outstanding students, faculty, staff and alumni of the university.”

Benarroch was born in Tangier, Morroco, his family immigrating to Winnipeg when he was 3. He was among the first generation of his family to attend university and the first to earn a graduate degree. He holds a BA (Hons) from the University of Winnipeg, an MA in economics from Western University, and a PhD in economics from Carleton University. He has taught economics at Canadian universities since 1989. His research focuses on global economic outlook, globalization, and the impact of trade on the environment.

Jeff Lieberman, chair of the U of M board of governors and of the presidential search committee, thanked Barnard for his years of service.

“His thoughtful leadership has set the stage for continued success and achievement for this institution and the people who bring it to life.”