The kingdom of Belgium has presented Ron Mock, president and chief executive officer of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, with its second-highest order of knighthood.
The honorary order of knighthood, known as Belgium’s commander of the order of the crown, was presented to Mock for his service to the Belgian state by Belgian ambassador Raoul Delcorde at a ceremony in Toronto on Thursday.
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“This prestigious decoration is bestowed on behalf of His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium,” said Delcorde, in a press release. “We are pleased to be able to recognize Mr. Mock for his friendship and contributions to the well-being of the Belgian people, reflecting the enduring connections that Ontario has with Belgium in the important sectors of education, commerce and culture.”
Ontario Teachers’ has more than $1.7 billion invested in the European nation as of December 2017, including a 39 per cent stake in the Brussels airport in the Belgian capital. According to the press release, the airport is Belgium’s second-largest economic driver and employs 20,000 people directly, with a further 40,000 employed indirectly, making it the largest private employer of Brussels residents.
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“I am so proud to receive this honour,” said Mock. “I can think of no greater recognition of our strong and enduring partnership with the country of Belgium, its government, and His Majesty the King.”