A creative consultant to the City of Markham and its business community spanning more than two decades, Ken Caplan has played pivotal roles in branding, communications, cultural engagement and leadership on behalf of the City and its corporate stakeholders. 

Born in Toronto, Ken is a graduate of the College of Art where, as president of the student body, he innovated campus life with performances by world-class jazz artists. Ken travelled extensively following his graduation and returned to become part of the Canadian design team for Expo’67. 

Ken’s creative talents garnered awards in Canada and the US and by 1971 his boutique agency, Kenneth Caplan and Associates Limited, was a thriving enterprise. Serving a roster of five star clients, Ken again found himself in international locales directing corporate communications projects for the likes of Four Seasons Hotels, Harlequin Enterprises and Litton Systems.

Ken established a dominant position as a brand consultant and led in the practice of strategic branding for corporate and public sector clients. He entered the publishing field and in conjunction with Canadian Business Magazine created marketing publications that reached business and consumer audiences across Canada. Ken worked with political parties at the federal and municipal level and was part of winning campaigns consistently. 

Recognizing the economic disadvantages of certain Ontario’s first nations, Ken embarked on a multi-faceted project with a northern Ontario reserve. He built cross-cultural relations, provided skills training and opened the door to a unique cultural agreement between the City of Markham and Eabametoong First Nation, the first of its kind in Canada.  

As Chair of the Program Committee of Markham Arts Council Ken looks to Markham’s rich cultural diversity to enhance and grow local arts and community engagement.