Nicholas Brathwaite, a visionary technologist and investor, seasoned entrepreneur, inspired philanthropist and dedicated alumnus, will serve as McMaster’s next chancellor.
Brathwaite brings a legacy of innovation, global leadership and deep commitment to education and equity to the role.
Born on the island of Carriacou, Grenada, Brathwaite earned a degree in Applied Chemistry from McMaster in 1982 and a master’s in Polymer Science from the University of Waterloo before launching his Silicon Valley career.
He started his career and earned his first patent at Intel, subsequently leaving to become a founding member of nChip and build the startup into a success. The company was later acquired by Flextronics—where he became Chief Technology Officer and shaped the first wave of smartphones, along with other cutting-edge power and gaming electronics.
Brathwaite went on to co-found private equity firm Riverwood Capital and now leads global deep-tech investments at Celesta Capital, a Silicon Valley capital firm backing disruptive technologies worldwide.
Nicholas Brathwaite
In 2018, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the DeGroote School of Business in recognition of his many accomplishments.
Brathwaite credits McMaster with laying the foundation for his success — a sentiment he hopes to share broadly when he assumes the role as the university’s chancellor on Jan. 1, 2026.
“When I came to McMaster as a student, if somebody had told me one day that I would be considered for the chancellorship role, I would not even have thought anything like that was even possible,” said Brathwaite.
“I have a love for McMaster that is hard to even describe. It’s just really a great honour and privilege to be considered for this role, and I am looking forward to getting more deeply involved with McMaster and making a greater impact.”
The Chancellor is the honorary head of the university, presiding over all convocations and serving as a key ambassador for McMaster. The committee to nominate a new chancellor was formed this year.
Nicholas Brathwait, third from right, with some of the PETNA Scholarship recipients. From left: Khahill-Akil Richards, Solange Thomas Dowden, Timara Bubb, Keziah Gibbs and Corie Bain.
Brathwaite’s impact extends far beyond business. Through the PETNA Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife Janice, he has championed youth, education, and community development across the Caribbean and North America.
The foundation’s partnership with McMaster has supported numerous students, including recipients of the Nicholas and Janice Brathwaite Award, which empowers Caribbean scholars to pursue undergraduate studies at the university.
From left: Then-Provost Susan Tighe, Celesta founding managing partner Sriram Viswanathan, then-President David Farrar, Celesta CEO Nicholas Brathwaite, Associate Vice-president of Research Leyla Soleymani and acting Vice-President of Research Andy Knights at the announcement of a collaboration between Celesta and McMaster in 2024.
Last year, McMaster University partnered with Brathwaite and Celesta Capital to accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge research at the university and nationwide.
The collaboration connected McMaster innovators to Celesta’s expertise and helped drive the next generation of science- and engineering-based startups in Canada.
“Nicholas’ record of supporting our students, leadership in innovation, equity and inclusion, commercialization and entrepreneurship, and his dedication to McMaster make him an exceptional choice for this role,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Susan Tighe.
“He cares deeply about people and about building opportunities, and I’m confident that his leadership will help us continue to build a university that is inclusive, innovative, and globally engaged. This appointment reflects McMaster’s ongoing commitment to celebrating alumni who exemplify the university’s mission.”
As he steps into this new role on Jan. 1, 2026, Brathwaite remains focused on the future — and championing McMaster.
“I’ve never been one to sit on the sidelines. If I commit to something, I want to be fully engaged and make an impact,” he said.
“I hope to use this new platform to help shape how others see McMaster — and how McMaster itself responds to the evolving needs of students and the wider community.”
“This university’s role extends far beyond its campus, with the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution on a global scale.”
Brathwaite succeeds Chancellor Santee Smith, who has served with distinction for six years.