Business in Vancouver recently announced its prestigious 2019 Forty Under 40 list, and we couldn’t be more proud that one of our young executives was recognized. Ryan’s accomplishments are noteworthy to say the least, and we’re proud to have him in a leadership role here at DP World Canada. Here’s more about his professional journey and the waves he’s making in the global supply chain:
From Vancouver to Singapore and back
Ryan was born and raised in Vancouver and attended UBC on scholarship. He studied commerce, double majoring in finance and accounting. During university, he obtained a summer internship at one of the global accounting firms and continued on after graduating to article there. Soon after obtaining his Chartered Accountant designation, he relocated to Singapore in 2006, and shifted his career focus to advising multi-national companies on merger and acquisition deals throughout Southeast Asia.
After a time, he joined a private equity fund that specialized in investments in inter-modal assets, primarily shipping container fleets. He was responsible for originating and executing investments, working directly with shipping lines and container leasing companies to obtain financing solutions.
“That really opened my eyes to the breadth and depth of the shipping industry,” Ryan shares.
In 2010, Ryan returned to Vancouver and spent five years advising on merger and acquisition deals, including the acquisition of the Prince Rupert Fairview terminal by DP World.
Ryan’s role at DP World
After serving DP World as a consultant and advisor, Ryan had the opportunity to join us in 2016 as the Director of Finance and Administration of DP World Canada. He was drawn to work with us to complete the expansion of the Prince Rupert Fairview terminal and its successful integration into the organization. As he puts it, “that was just the tip of the iceberg,” because the scope of his work expanded to address three other larger strategic initiatives during his first six months – which included the negotiation for the expansion of DP World Vancouver’s Centerm terminal.
In Ryan’s words, “I’m very blessed to be part of the Canadian business and proud of what we have accomplished so far. Looking ahead to what DP World Canada has planned, I’m very happy that I’m right in the middle of the action and helping to lead the charge.”
Ryan’s professional and personal goals
Over the next three years, both of DP World Canada’s terminals will be undergoing expansions to address capacity constraints of the Pacific gateway. As a result, significant increases in terminal capacity are needed (and being met). Ryan believes this is important for more than just DP World and Vancouver:
“These two expansions are very key, not only for our business, but for all of Canada. It not only helps British Columbia and the Western provinces, but our entire country.”
In the realm of personal achievements, Ryan is a proud father of four children. He and his wife welcomed their fourth child at the beginning of November. In addition to family time, Ryan enjoys playing violin and piano, golfing, and mentoring undergraduate students through UBC’s Executive Mentorship Program. The mentorship program is especially important for Ryan because he views it as an opportunity to give back to his alma mater.
“I’m thankful for where I am. It’s due to people that spent that time with me along the way. I’m compelled to do the same.”
We’re thankful to have Ryan Uy on our leadership team and we’re proud of this Forty Under 40 recognition of his accomplishments.