Rob Payne graduated with a B.Com from McMaster University, where he was a member of the varsity swimming and waterpolo teams. He also graduated from the Training for International Operations program (TIO) from The Stockholm School of Economics.

Rob led national and international operations for various divisions within the Sandvik Group of companies, and spent his volunteer time as Past Chair of the Town and Gown Association of Ontario as well as Past President of the Ainslie Wood Westdale Community Association. Over the past 20 years, Rob has been the primary caregiver for his son who suffered from two brain hemorrhages secondary to an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). His personal experience led him to volunteer at HIRO in an effort to help individuals living with an ABI.