For Ted Lomond, CITP, international trade isn’t an isolated field—it is the progression of a career devoted to business and economic development. His path through high-profile government positions, global market strategy, and the renewable energy sector underscores this path, one that has seen him build powerful relationships that shape regional and international growth.
His early work as Deputy Minister responsible for International Trade and Tourism for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador showed him how trade can strengthen industries and communities alike.
“I worked directly with industry to promote economic development through trade,” he says. It’s a foundation that prepared him for his current role as President and CEO of North Atlantic, an Atlantic-based energy company now moving confidently into international renewable markets.
Expanding industries and horizons
Throughout his career, Ted has had a front-row seat to the growth of companies aiming to expand internationally. His favourite stories often come from watching small, rural businesses flourish either in new markets or locally.
“It was always rewarding to see companies—particularly those from small rural communities—be successful in international markets.”
For example, “One small aviation training company I worked with went on to become a major employer in the region,” he recalls.
Leading the future of clean energy exports
Today, Ted’s ambitious work centers around leading North Atlantic through the global energy transition. His mandate is far from small.
“Right now, I’m leading a regional energy company through energy transition using cost discipline and aggressive diversification into low-carbon product lines such as hydrogen and its derivatives, renewable diesel, and energy efficiency,” he explains.
North Atlantic’s growth strategy includes developing global markets for renewable energy, backed by major infrastructure plans. These include a 320 MW wind farm, a hydrogen generation plant capable of producing 30,000 tonnes of green hydrogen, and a hydrogenation plant that converts hydrogen into a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) for export.
At the same time, North Atlantic has been pursing international expansion and recently completed the purchased the second largest refinery in France at Gravenchon. Operating as North Atlantic Energies, they are now a major player in the downstream oil sector in France and are assessing the potential for green hydrogen produced in Newfoundland and Labrador to replace a portion of the grey hydrogen used at the facility.
Projects of this scale require deep international trade knowledge—from regulatory alignment to logistics, financing, and market analysis. It’s one of the reasons Ted’s background and experience in trade is so valuable in the fast-moving renewable sector.
Prepare well, follow up consistently, and exercise patience
Throughout his career, Ted has seen countless companies pursue international markets, and he’s learned that success rarely comes quickly or easily.
“Determination and patience are required. You need to commit the necessary time and resources to develop new markets.”
He has also often witnessed companies approach trade missions or foreign meetings without doing the groundwork required. “I have been involved in numerous trade missions and too often have seen firms not preparing in advance. Without understanding your potential customer, you are not able to articulate what problem you can solve or the value you can bring.”
Equally critical, he adds, is making the effort to circle back with contacts—even if it’s simply to say thanks.
“I have seen firms not properly follow up with leads. Many times, companies return from international business meetings and fail to reconnect in a timely fashion or even thank potential customers for the meeting. Sometimes the organizers of trade activities contribute to this by focusing on the number of attendees vs. the readiness of participants.”
Applying FITTskills knowledge to his leadership role in the energy sector
When Ted began steering North Atlantic toward international renewable energy markets, the FITTskills program helped expand his perspective.
“I thought the courses were comprehensive and useful given my current role leading a company focused on the successful export of renewable green hydrogen from Newfoundland and Labrador to Europe.”
Because the hydrogen sector is so new, “pricing, offtake durations, transportation routes, and means of conveyance are still in flux,” the courses add value during the formative stages of working in this emerging sector.
He found International Trade Finance particularly useful, in this regard, citing it as his favourite course. “Some of the material was new to me and has been useful as we look at the types of financing that will be necessary for developing new, less carbon-intensive industries.”
Gaining a “common language” with the CITP
In developing markets for clean hydrogen, Ted regularly collaborates with international partners, governments, and export development agencies. Many individuals within these groups hold the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation, and that peer recognition played a role in his decision.
“I see the advantage of having the CITP designation as a means of establishing a common language and approach to the work,” he says.
In addition to creating useful dialogue between contacts, the CITP designation was also indicative of his constant learning mindset: “I am definitely a lifelong learner and enjoy learning new things. I feel the CITP designation is a significant credential and I have a sense of accomplishment having achieved it,” he says.
Looking ahead, he sees the credential as both a professional signal and a strategic tool.
“I think the CITP designation will serve as a sort of shorthand in quickly conveying information about my education and experience. I’m looking forward to engaging the network of other CITP credited individuals working in international trade.”
A leader shaping Canada’s renewable trade future
Guided by strategic insight and a long-standing commitment to economic growth, Ted Lomond has become a driving force in Canada’s transition toward renewable energy. At the helm of one of Atlantic Canada’s most forward-looking export initiatives, he is helping carve out Canada’s place in fast-growing clean-energy markets around the world.
With his CITP designation underscoring the depth of his international trade expertise, Ted continues to build strong global partnerships and set the pace for what Canada’s energy future can look like. There is little doubt he will remain a defining leader in both the trade and clean-energy spheres for years to come.
LinkedIn: Ted Lomond, CITP
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