Robert Barnard

Mr. Barnard has spent the last 15 years decoding youth, young adults and families. Since 1994, as CEO of DECODE, he has led a passionate team of decoders to discover and develop what's next. Through his exploration of consumers, employees and citizens in Canada and increasingly around the world, his work transcends industries and sectors, providing a holistic approach to research and innovation. He is the co-author of the best-seller Chips and Pop: Decoding the Nexus Generation and recipient of The Caldwell Partners' Canadian Top 40 Under 40 award. He is also Chair of Street Kids International, an innovative organization trying to help the world of more than 100 million street kids.

Prior to DECODE, Barnard founded Generation 2000, a Canadian youth organization committed to informing and inspiring youth to take action. He has also had stints as a clothing designer/manufacturer, bank teller, tennis instructor and pizza delivery guy.