Profile

Born March 31, 1947 to Girlie and Hans Heilbronn, Michael became a chartered accountant in 1972 after studying at Wits University and articling at a Jewish chartered accounting practice. Following graduation, he travelled throughout Europe and made his way to Israel. It was during these travels that Michael first began thinking about emigrating from South Africa. Disturbed by the politics of the apartheid state, he applied in 1974 to immigrate to Canada. On March 24, 1975, he arrived in Toronto.

Upon arriving, Michael initially lived in an apartment in the Davisville and Yonge area and set about completing the requirements to become a Canadian chartered accountant. In 1978, he met and married his wife, Rose. The couple had two children together: Leora (born in 1980) and Tovi (born in 1982).

Throughout his career, Michael has held a number of important posts including chief financial officer at Wang Canada; vice president, controller at Rogers Wireless; and chief financial officer at St. Michael’s Hospital. In 2003, he founded his own health care consultancy business called The Heilbronn Group Inc., which he led until his retirement in 2012.

Michael is an avid sportsman, having played a variety of sports throughout his life including golf, cycling, and long-distance running. He also served on the board of Shaarei Shomayim Congregation and the Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto (CHAT).