Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Former Canadian Vice-Chief of Defence, Joins Samuel Associates 

As a strategic consultancy specializing in Market Advisory Services and Government Relations for the defence, aerospace and national security industries, Samuel Associates is pleased to welcome Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Mark Norman as Senior Defence Strategist.

A 39-year veteran of uniformed service to Canada, Mark Norman retired from the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in the rank of Vice-Admiral (VADM) in 2019. VADM Norman rose through the ranks to be the Vice-Chief of Defence: the second-highest appointment in the Canadian Armed Forces. 

Goran Samuel Pesic, President and CEO of Samuel Associates, said, "I am thrilled and honoured to welcome Vice-Admiral Norman to the firm and our defence sector practice. Vice-Admiral Norman brings a wealth of senior-level experience, personal credibility, integrity, thought leadership and deep naval expertise to our company". 

Commenting on the appointment, Vice-Admiral Norman remarked, "I am excited to be part of the Samuel Associates team and look forward to working with their talented and dedicated professionals as they endeavour to advise and support defence, naval and security clients in Canada". 

VADM Norman is now applying his energy and passion to new challenges such as contributing to the national defence and security discourse as a Fellow of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, mentoring sailors, veterans and their families as the Champion of the RCN Benevolent Fund. As Senior Defence Strategist at Samuel Associates, VADM Norman looks forward to helping clients achieve their full potential in supporting the defence and security of Canadians.

His military career has seen him serve at sea domestically and internationally, command a warship, the Atlantic Fleet and ultimately the Royal Canadian Navy. VADM Norman also has extensive experience in training sailors, supporting operations, strategic planning, managing major procurement projects, institutional leadership, and organizational change. 

VADM Norman is motivated by dynamic organizations that see value in people, seek continuous improvement and contribute positively to society. He holds a degree in Economics from Queens University and is also a graduate of several professional education programs, including executive leadership courses with the US Armed Forces. He has been awarded several medals and commendations over his four-decade-long career, including the Order of Military Merit and the US Legion of Merit.