Circularity by Design

Event Public

The Global Centre for Climate Action welcomes Peter Jones, Head of Sustainability, IKEA Canada, one of the world’s leading retailers, with OCAD U professor Ranee Lee, an academic innovator and OCAD U student Rebecca Wakefield, an early career researcher, as they grapple with the very real challenges and opportunities that define a truly circular economy.

205 Richmond St W. RHA 420
6:30 - 8 p.m.
GCCA
free
Add to Calendar
205 Richmond St W. RHA 420
6:30 - 8 p.m.
GCCA
free
Add to Calendar
Person inserting a table leg into a flat packed table top

The Global Centre for Climate Action
BMO Climate Action Speaker Series


Join us!

Circularity by Design
April 1, 2026
OCAD University, 205 Richmond Street West,
RHA 420
6:30 - 8:00pm

Generously supported by BMO.

The Global Centre for Climate Action welcomes Peter Jones, Head of Sustainability, IKEA Canada, one of the world’s leading retailers, with OCAD U professor Ranee Lee, an academic innovator and OCAD U student Rebecca Wakefield, an early career researcher, as they grapple with the very real challenges and opportunities that define a truly circular economy.


Contact: climateaction@ocadu.ca

CGGA Ikea Poster

Introducing:

Peter Jones,
Head of Sustainability
IKEA Canada

Bio: Peter Jones is the Head of Sustainability at IKEA Canada. IKEA is the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, and for nearly 50 years Canadians have welcomed IKEA into their homes, supporting its brand, product range, and vision “to create a better everyday life for the many people.”

In January 2026, Peter rejoined the Canadian organization, bringing with him a long and diverse background from across IKEA. Over the course of his career, he has held financial, operational, and business‑steering roles in the UK, Canada, and Sweden. His work has included leading the development of new omnichannel performance measurements and serving as Head of Pricing for Ingka Group, where he played a key role in safeguarding affordability for customers around the world.

In 2018, Peter followed his passion for sustainability by becoming Head of Sustainability Analytics & Impact. In this position, he led a team responsible for measuring Ingka’s sustainability performance and embedding sustainability considerations into everyday business decisions – showcasing the strength and impact of being a purpose‑led organization.

Most recently, Peter broadened his influence at Ikano Insight, where he led sustainability for the business. There, he supported organizations in developing sustainability strategies, integrating them into the business and understanding and measuring their sustainability performance, enabling meaningful action for both people and the planet. Over the past three years, his commitment to driving sustainable business transformation has generated real momentum across the Ikano Group and its clients.

Peter brings a values‑based leadership approach and a deep understanding of how sustainability can strengthen business, empower people, and protect the planet. His experience is invaluable as IKEA Canada continues to strengthen its sustainability strategy and engages co‑workers, customers, and communities in creating a better everyday life.
 

With:

Ranee Lee, Associate Professor, Industrial Design, OCAD University
Talk: Form Follows Care as a New Design Principle

Bio: Ranee Lee is an industrial designer and Associate Professor at OCAD University. She is the founder of DESIGNwith, an innovation lab focused on the circular economy and social innovation. She holds an MA in Participatory Design from the University of Toronto and is engaged in ongoing research on alternative economies in marginalized communities. Her work also focuses on care and culture projects aimed at advancing the concept of Form Follows Care. Most recently, she was awarded the Faculty Mobility for Partnership Building Program grant by the Canadian federal government, which took her to São Paulo, Brazil, for a short-term research project on biomaterials.
Rebecca Wakefield, Industrial Design, OCAD University
Talk: Learnings From Cellulose-Based Biomaterials Research and How to Make Your Own

Bio: Rebecca Wakefield is Industrial Design student at OCAD University and researcher at the DESIGNwith Lab, exploring biomaterials and circular design. Her research is focused on using cellulose to make sustainable plastic alternatives and the alignment of material longevity to its use.


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