Former Windsor West MPP and provincial cabinet minister Sandra Pupatello will be the next CEO of the Windsor Essex Economic Development Corporation.

The announcement was made at a news conference Thursday morning at the Hiram Walker Brand Centre.

“Sandra has been one of this region’s most passionate, energetic and effective advocates of our time,” says board chair Joseph Byrne. “Prospective investors are sure to never forget Windsor-Essex after meeting with Sandra.”

Acting CEO Rakesh Naidu replaced Ron Gaudet, who stepped down in November.

Pupatello lost to Kathleen Wynne in her bid to become premier earlier this year.