As part of our Q&A series with SIPP Board Directors, Tony Payne shares his journey to Greater Victoria. He arrived in 2020 to lead technology and innovation at BCI, one of Canada’s largest institutional investors. Tony was drawn by the opportunity to position BCI as a global technology leader while leveraging Greater Victoria’s unique mix of natural assets, innovation ecosystem and collaborative business community.
For Tony, SIPP plays a critical role in fostering collaboration between municipalities, industry and Indigenous communities, while helping Greater Victoria compete on a global stage and staying true to its local values.
Q1. What first brought you to Greater Victoria — and what keeps you here?
I came to Greater Victoria in 2020 to join BCI as Senior Vice President of Technology & Innovation. What drew me was the opportunity to position one of Canada’s largest institutional investors as a technology leader, right here on Vancouver Island. What keeps me here is the incredible blend of natural beauty, innovation ecosystem, and collaborative spirit. Greater Victoria offers something unique – you can be at the forefront of global investment management and AI innovation while still being minutes from the ocean or mountains.
Q2. Describe your perfect day living in Greater Victoria.
Sitting on a patio, having a morning coffee, taking in the ocean and mountain views.
Living here now, I’m excited about a future where my children can also flourish in their careers, right in Greater Victoria.
SIPP Board Director Tony Payne
Q3. How long have you been involved in South Island Prosperity Partnership?
I joined the SIPP Board in September 2021, bringing my expertise in digital transformation, technology strategy, finance and board governance to help drive Greater Victoria’s economic diversification and growth initiatives.
Q4. What motivated/inspired you to join the SIPP board?
Having spent over 20 years driving digital transformation across multiple sectors globally, I was inspired by SIPP’s vision to position Greater Victoria as a hub of innovation and sustainable prosperity. The opportunity to apply my experience in AI, cybersecurity, and technology strategy to benefit our entire region – while working alongside diverse leaders from municipalities, First Nations, and industry – was compelling. I believe strongly in collaborative approaches to economic development, and SIPP embodies that philosophy perfectly. Living here now, I’m excited about a future where my children can also flourish in their careers, right in Greater Victoria.
Q5. When you think about the future of Greater Victoria, what excites you most?
I’m most excited about our region’s potential to become a global leader in AI-powered sustainable investing and ocean technology innovation. I see tremendous opportunity to leverage our natural assets – our ocean access, tech talent, and values-driven approach – to attract like-minded companies and talent. The convergence of financial innovation, clean tech, and our commitment to Indigenous economic reconciliation creates a unique value proposition that few regions can match.
Q6. What do you wish more people understood about Greater Victoria’s economy?
Our economy is far more sophisticated and globally connected than many realize. We’re home to BCI, a global organization with $295 billion in assets under management; a thriving $7.9 billion tech sector, and emerging leadership in ocean technology and sustainable innovation. We’re not just a government town or tourism destination – we’re a knowledge economy that competes globally while maintaining strong community values. Regional partnerships such as SIPP demonstrate that collaboration (not competition between municipalities) drive real economic success.
Q7. Why is it important for organizations like South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) to exist?
In my experience across multiple sectors globally, I’ve seen that regions thrive when they think and act strategically as integrated economic units. SIPP breaks down silos between municipalities, sectors, and organizations to create collective impact that no single entity could achieve alone. In today’s interconnected economy, you need coordinated strategy, shared infrastructure, and unified messaging to compete for investment and talent. SIPP provides that essential coordination while ensuring sustainability remain central to Greater Victoria’s growth strategy.
Q8. What’s one local business or community initiative you think deserves more spotlight?
Community-driven innovation hubs fostering technology and financial thought leadership deserve more attention. They’re the quiet catalysts transforming Victoria into a legitimate tech center.
Q9. What book, podcast, or idea has influenced your thinking on leadership or community building?
The concept of “digital transformation as organizational transformation” has profoundly shaped my approach. It’s not about technology for technology’s sake, but about using innovation to fundamentally improve how organizations serve their communities. Through my work at BCI, I know first-hand the benefits of moving towards an AI-first approach, not just for efficiency but to better serve our clients. I think this mindset can apply equally to economic development. AI is not the only innovation driving economic changes, and leaders need to use innovative approaches like SIPP’s collaborative regional model to create more inclusive and sustainable prosperity for all our communities.
