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Development/Construction
Don Brletic has been appointed general manger at Beatty Floors’ hard surfaces division. Brletic has more than 20 year of experience, from manufacturing of concrete floor finishes as well as tile and stone installation systems. Beatty Floors, one of Western Canada’s largest flooring contractors specializing in commercial flooring, celebrates 90 years of business in 2019.
Education
Neil Johnston has been appointed director of advancement at Fraser Academy, a private school focused on Grade 1 to 12 education for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Previously, Johnston was vice-president, development, at the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity. In his new role, Johnston will partner with the Fraser Academy community to build the capacity and potential of the advancement office and help secure long-term premises for this essential educational service.
Finance
Mark Patterson, assurance partner with PwC Canada’s Vancouver office, has been appointed mining leader for the firm’s B.C. region. Patterson has nearly 20 years of experience working with publicly listed junior mining companies from junior exploration to international producers, and he also serves on the board for the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.
Hospitality/Tourism/Convention
Jake Veasey has been appointed vice-president, operations, and managing director of the Vancouver Aquarium. Veasey is one of the world’s leading experts in the welfare of wild animals in human care and has played a major role in shaping animal welfare and conservation practices in the zoo community. Hailing from the U.K., he has two decades of leadership experience in the zoological management sector, having held executive positions specializing in animal welfare, conservation, research and facility management in Europe and Canada. Veasey is a long-standing member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and most recently has been working with governments and non-governmental organizations on conservation and animal welfare policy as well as facility development in Europe and Asia.
Legal
Fasken has welcomed Tariq Ahmed (litigation and dispute resolution), Annie Chen (trusts, wills, estates and charities), Jonathan Conlin (technology) and Samuel Li (securities, mergers and acquisitions) to the partnership.
Non-profit
Lasse Gustavsson has been appointed president and CEO at Ocean Wise. Over the past two decades, Gustavsson has spearheaded scientific expeditions, commissioned a comprehensive study of fisheries across the European Union and led delegations to effect change at international conferences aimed at advancing the health of our oceans. Gustavsson joins Ocean Wise in February having most recently held the role of senior vice-president and executive director at Oceana in Europe. He has also served as the executive director of conservation at World Wildlife Fund International, where he managed global conservation efforts, including the development of one of the organization’s most successful conservation campaigns targeted at illegal wildlife trade. As CEO of WWF Sweden, Gustavsson led the expansion of its ocean conservation programs across several countries.
Retail
Fresh Prep, the Vancouver-based e-commerce meal kit delivery service, welcomes Justin Lussier, former CEO and co-founder of Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria, to its executive team as director of expansion. Lussier has more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant and food industry, as well as knowledge of business growth and expansion to new regions. During Lussier’s time at Famoso beginning in 2007, his team grew from one location to 30 franchised locations across B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario.
COMPANIES ON THE MOVE
New Umbrella Organization
Ashton Education, a new umbrella organization encompassing Ashton College and Ashton Testing Services, launched in early 2019. Colin Fortes and Jane Chang have been appointed chief executive officer and chief operating officer, respectively, at Ashton Education.
HATS OFF
Business in Vancouver welcomes submissions from local small businesses and large corporations alike that demonstrate examples of corporate philanthropy and community involvement in the Vancouver area. High-resolution images are also welcome.
Hy’s of Canada is partnering with Vancouver Community College (VCC) to offer a scholarship in the name of John Aisenstat. Aisenstat was executive vice-president of Hy’s when he died last year. Colleagues and friends recently gathered at Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar in Vancouver for the inaugural John Aisenstat Memorial Dinner; funds raised – the first-year goal of $20,000 has already been reached – will go toward an endowment at VCC to support students pursuing careers in the culinary and hospitality arts. Future dinners in Calgary, Winnipeg and Toronto, partnering with those cities’ local technical colleges, will continue to build on a commitment to supporting and giving back to the restaurant industry. In addition, Aisenstat’s involvement in and passion for politics will be remembered through a donation to the Forum for Young Canadians.
The Mary and Gordon Christopher Foundation donated $22,000 to PALS Autism Society to help support speech and language intervention programs at PALS Autism School and PALS Adult Program.
The Vancouver Metropolitan Lions Club raised and donated $12,800 to Richmond Hospital Foundation. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the club held its 11th annual Project “C” event, a banquet with a musical performance from Hong Kong-based singer Suzan G, at Continental Seafood Restaurant. The $12,800 donation to the foundation was raised from banquet dinner sales, live auctions, raffle tickets and donations. •
