Summary - 2026 Fraser Institute Atlantic Dinner

Join us for the Fraser Institute Atlantic Dinner, the region’s premiere networking event for business and community leaders. This year’s event will feature Max Koeune, President and CEO of McCain Foods, in conversation with Fraser Institute Atlantic Ambassadors Council Chair John Risley.

The event will feature the Chief Executive of one of Canada's top companies, providing a perspective on navigating the global business landscape during turbulent times. Founded in Florenceville, New Brunswick, in 1957, McCain Foods is the world's largest manufacturer of frozen potato products and a true Atlantic Canadian success story. This position gives Mr. Koeune a unique view on trends in the global food industry, doing business in varied geopolitical environments, and the re-shaping of supply chains. This event promises to be highly insightful for those interested in a unique perspective on business leadership. Book your sponsorship or table today for this exclusive event!

Book your sponsorship or table today for this exclusive event!

As President and Chief Executive Officer of McCain Foods, Max leads a global workforce of 23,000 across 160 countries, delivering innovative, high-quality potato and snacking products. He also serves on the Board of Directors, contributing to the company’s long-term strategic direction.

Since joining McCain in 2012, Max has played a pivotal role in expanding its global footprint. He was appointed President and CEO in November 2017, following his tenure as Chief Financial Officer, where he oversaw Finance, Treasury, Tax, IT, Legal, and Procurement. He continues to champion McCain’s purpose: celebrating real connections through food that is both flavorful and planet-friendly.

With over 25 years of experience in the global consumer goods industry, Max has held a range of

senior executive positions at Danone and McCain. His career has been marked by international leadership roles across France, Switzerland, Mexico, the United States, and Canada, reflecting his deep expertise in navigating diverse markets and cultures. He began his professional journey in investment banking at Barings Brothers, building a strong foundation in finance before transitioning into the consumer goods sector.

Max plays an active leadership role in the global consumer goods sector. In 2025, he was appointed Manufacturer Co-Chair of The Consumer Goods Forum, a global network of over 400 retailers, manufacturers, and service providers working collaboratively to address key industry challenges such as sustainability, health, food safety, and data transparency. He is also a board member of Pernod Ricard, a leading global spirits company listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.

He holds a Master of Commerce degree from École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris. Originally from Luxembourg, Max has been living in Toronto since 2012 with his wife and three children.

In 2019, the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies and the Fraser Institute announced their merger to create the largest independent think-tank in Canada. Since that time, the Institute's Atlantic Canada Prosperity Initiative has grown into the leading independent voice for prosperity in the four Atlantic Provinces.

With high quality research, leading edge communications, and strong outreach, the Institute's experts reach thousands of Atlantic Canadians weekly online, in mass media, and on social networks. These efforts are in service of the Institute's mission to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families, and future generations by studying, measuring, and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship, and choice on their well-being.

The Fraser Institute Atlantic Dinner (previously known at the AIMS Chairman's Dinner) is an opportunity to reflect on the Institute's work and big picture issues of policy and economic importance. The Chairman’s Dinner is well known as a premier networking event with top-flight speakers, attended by the region's business leaders, policy professionals, and prominent community members.

Previous speakers include Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta, Frank McKenna, former Premier of New Brunswick, Jim Flaherty, former Minister of Finance, John Manley, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Lorraine Mitchelmore, CEO of Shell Canada, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, Linda Hasenfratz, CEO of Linamar, among others. This year's event will include Max Koeune, President and CEO of McCain Foods.

2026 Fraser Institute Atlantic Dinner

Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel