Christopher Barnard, BA’91, MBA '95

Christopher Barnard is a seasoned tech executive and entrepreneur with a proven track record of building, scaling, and successfully exiting innovative companies. As the Co-Founder and President of Points.com, he was a driving force behind the company's strategic direction, corporate development, and investor relations. Christopher played a pivotal role in establishing Points.com as a global leader in the loyalty/fintech/travel tech industries, securing key strategic partnerships, and leading three acquisitions significant to Points’ success.

His leadership extended across various operational roles, including interim CFO and head of Product Development and Marketing. Christopher was instrumental in navigating Points.com's financial journey, raising substantial capital through multiple equity financings and strategic investments. He skillfully guided the company's evolution from the Canadian Venture Exchange to the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and its ultimate listing on NASDAQ. In 2022, Christopher spearheaded Points’ acquisition by private equity backed Plusgrade Inc.  The Points.com acquisition subsequently led General Atlantic Partners to take a controlling position eighteen months later.

Currently, among other advisory roles, Christopher leverages his expertise as a founding advisor, board member, and investor in Kero Gaming, a Miami-based leader in micro-betting and fan engagement services. Kero's platform is the industry standard, empowering over 200 sports books, teams in every North American major professional league, and leading broadcasters to deepen fan interaction through real-time prediction and simulation.

Recognized for his contributions, Christopher was a finalist for the prestigious E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2011 and was named one of the 100 most influential leaders in FinTech globally in 2015. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1998 as a co-founder of Canada's first internet venture studio, Exclamation International, the incubator for Points.com. Before this, he gained valuable experience at HDL Capital, assisting companies with public market entry. Christopher holds an MBA from Western University's Ivey Business School.