Board of Advisors

Ryan Beedie

Ryan Beedie is President of The Beedie Group; a fully integrated industrial property developer in Greater Vancouver. Originally founded in 1954 by Keith Beedie, the firm has grown to become the largest landlord of industrial space in British Columbia.

Under Ryan’s leadership since 1995, the firm has continued to grow and is considered the “brand name” for industrial construction and development. The firm also has investment interests in other businesses, including television. Ryan holds an undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University and an MBA from the University of British Columbia.

Ryan is an active member of the Young President’s Organization (YPO) and sits on the board at the Urban Development Institute (UDI) and the Fraser Institute. He is married with three children.

Larry Gale

With more than 25 years of experience in the travel industry, Larry Gale is a wealth of information and insight into the global travel market. After graduating with honours in Hospitality and Tourism, Larry went on to hold senior positions with national companies in both the outbound and inbound markets.

Larry has worked at Brewster Inc for more than 15 years. He has a reputation for excellence, having led Brewster into several major emerging markets. Championed for breaking into Taiwan in 1990, Malaysia in 1995, China in 1997 and India in 2004, Larry has been instrumental in creating opportunities for Canada’s tourism industry around the world.

As Brewster’s Director of Marketing and Sales, Larry is responsible for overseeing all sales and marketing for Brewster division’s worldwide. A multifaceted tourism company established in 1892, Brewster Inc delivers premium Canadian travel experiences. With principles based on integrity through ethical practices and environmental stewardship, Brewster provides excellence in customer service and product delivery, and strength through growth and development.

Born and raised in Calgary, Larry lives in Canmore, Alberta with his wife and two children.

Terry McBride

Terry McBride is the CEO and one of three founders of the Nettwerk Music Group. Founded in Terry’s apartment in 1984, Nettwerk has corporate offices in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, Boston, Hamburg and London. Over the years, Nettwerk Management has helped develop the careers of Coldplay, Jamiroquai, Sarah McLachlan and many other artists.

Since its inception, Nettwerk has released more than 500 albums that have sold more than 150 million copies worldwide. Terry was also a founding member of Lilith Fair, the world’s most successful travelling festival during its run from 1997 to 1999.

At the 2003 Juno Awards, Terry received the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award recognizing an outstanding individual who has contributed to the growth and advancement of the Canadian music industry. He has also twice been awarded the Pollstar Industry Award for Personal Manager of the Year for his work with Sarah McLachlan (1997), Avril Lavigne and Coldplay.

In the past few years, Terry has spoken at dozens of international conferences about advances in digital technology, intellectual property rights and the future of music distribution. As a testament to his progressive thinking within the music industry, in 2008 McBride was commissioned to co-author a paper for the British University of Westminster's "Musictank" entitled "Meet the Millennials". Terry also serves on Midem’s Visionary Chair Committee.

Azim Sarangi

Azim Sarangi is a Founding Partner of Intercity Packers Limited (ICP), a food service company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. As Vice-President, he has been instrumental in the growth of ICP, a company that recorded sales of $7 Million in 1980 to over $100 Million today.

At ICP, Azim can be credited with playing a key role in creating a culture that strives for excellence and reward for performance. His meticulous nature and sharp analytical skills combined with a focus on building strong long-term relationships has served him well in all aspects of his life over the years and particularly in business.

ICP was among the first companies in Canada to successfully develop and implement a Canada Food Inspection Agency recognized Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system and today is one of the largest and most innovative national food service companies in Canada, with operations in Vancouver, Edmonton and Toronto.

Azim attended Egerton University in Kenya as well as the University of Alberta. He continues his focus on education, while passionately coaching and mentoring individuals from all walks of life and is involved in various charity projects around the world. Azim and his family make their home in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Jens Thraenhart

With nearly 20 years of experience in hospitality and tourism, Jens Thraenhart has been instrumental in the development of online tourism marketing. Well recognized as one of the leading experts on leveraging new media channels and emerging technologies, he is a sought-after speaker and global consultant.

Excited about the opportunity for brands to connect with consumers in both established and emerging markets, Jens developed a unique “think global – act local” methodology. Currently focusing on the Chinese consumer market, he has partnered with a local travel technology company in China to form Dragon Firm, a brand strategy advisory firm.

As Executive Director of Marketing Strategy for the Canadian Tourism Commission, Jens further advanced his expertise in e-marketing and CRM strategies. Having worked around the world, Jens brings a unique understanding of the global tourism industry, marketing strategies, e-commerce, distribution, technology optimization, and organizational change.

Originally from Germany, Jens is currently based in Beijing, China. He consults on various advisory boards around the world, including the International Federation of Information Technology in Tourism (IFITT).

Riaz Pisani, President & CEO

For the past 16 years, Riaz has been part of Contac's board of directors. In 2004, he acquired an interest in the company, becoming its managing director & chief financial officer. A year later – in May 2005 – he took over as President and Chief Executive Officer. In addition to founding and growing Pisani & Company, Chartered Accountants, Riaz was the president of Network Technology Professionals Inc., which provided computer services to large corporations across Canada. Riaz was instrumental in growing the business from a local Vancouver company to a large organization, servicing clients across Canada. Under Riaz's leadership, Contac has grown to be an internationally acclaimed leader in the distribution, fulfillment, and direct marketing industries. His leadership and passion have become hallmarks of the company's mission to provide unparalleled service tailored to meet the needs of our clients. In the past two years, Riaz has facilitated the augmentation of the company's size from an entrepreneurial business focused on distribution activities in Western Canada to a multidimensional corporation with operations and alliances across North America and Europe that service multiple business verticals.

"What can I say about Contac and their team? It truly has been a privilege to be in a business relationship with Contac. They have done an outstanding job of ensuring that our product gets delivered on time and their commitment to Customer Service has been extraordinary. We look forward to continuing to foster this great relationship."
Hanif Manji Team Lead, Inside Sales, WestJet
"Fun Sun Vacations has been working with Contac for many years now and we have always appreciated the high level of service that we have received. Once I forward my request to Contac I know that the task will be completed on time and I don't have to give it a second thought. That is a great comfort for me as I know that we all have enough to do as it is. Thank you!"
Terry Vander Linden Director of Marketing, Fun Sun Vacations
"Contac's staff is very friendly, helpful and provides professional services. Contac has a very user friendly website. The website is easy and it's an efficient way to keep track of our inventory. Contac is reliable and they do not hesitate to be proactive in assisting our travel agents with their requests on our products available to them."
Vèronique Chocron Inside Sales, Club Med
"The Client Service Representatives do not seem to know the "No" word. They know "Let me see what I can do". I know when I ask for something that if it is at all possible, then it will be done. Even though there have been major changes in the way travel organizations do business over the last few years, the Contac Team remains committed to doing their best to work with their Travel Clients. We appreciate that."
Joy Jackson Supervisor, Events & Promotions, Sunwing Vacations
"Contac treats its clients with the utmost respect and always delivers when called upon. Their customer service is top notch and anyone can feel at ease when dealing with the reps and management of such an organization."
Alex Mantios Inside Sales Coordinator, GLOBUS family of brand, Globus, Cosmos, Monograms, Avalon
"Alaska Airlines Vacations has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Contac over the span of several years. From fulfilling travel agent requests to handling our direct mailing efforts, Contac has provided excellent service."
Adrienne Porter Leisure Marketing Executive, Alaska Airlines Vacations
"Through your expertise and reporting system we are able to monitor our distribution weekly, thereby keeping our expenses within budget and our distribution effective. Thank you for this important service."
Lorin Perlin Brewster
"Holland America Line has been doing business with Contac for over 30 years...I have been very pleased with the level of service I personally have experienced."
Talia Thepvongsa Holland America Line
"Contac is extremely reliable, consistent and provide a professional approach. I attribute a lot of our success in this region to our relationship with them and their technology."
Cory M. Andrichuk District Sales Manager, Western Canada, Norwegian Cruise Line
"Contac Services has always understood our business needs, our priorities and our goals. They continually bring professionalism and a sense of urgency to the table for a variety of fulfillment and distribution challenges we incur. They are truly a business partner and I appreciate Contac going above and beyond the call of duty."
Nick DeSantis Marketing Manager, Oceania Cruises
"Princess Cruises and Contac have worked closely together for the past 26 years. Contac is a company that specializes in making Princess Cruises look good to all of our travel agent partners. Reliable, proactive and going the extra mile are just a few words to describe this winning organization. We would not hesitate to recommend working with Contac."
Geraldine Ree Regional Sales Director, Princess Cruises
"Air Canada Vacations has been working with Contac for several years we really appreciate the service they provide to our customers. In our hectic work environment it is nice to know when you send a request it is going to be handled. Keep up the good work!"
Nino Montagnese Senior Director, Sales, Air Canada Vacations
"I have only been using Contac for the last month; I am new to AAT Kings however I have had to ship many things. I know I can send a request and it's taken care of within moments. They are totally reliable and efficient; I appreciate the level of service and professionalism that comes with the name Contac."
Leia Marvin Sales Manager, Canada, AAT Kings
"Contac has always gone above and beyond in customer service. Contac looks for opportunities to enhance our product and results to give it maximum exposure and value for our money spent. Thanks Contac for always thinking about our bottom line and our reputation."
Elly Johnson Business Development Manger, Canada, Bermuda Department of Tourism
"If someone asked me what we think of Contac's service... I would simply say: Fast. Efficient. Fair. Attentive. That's what we wanted, and that's what we get from Contac."
Robb Lucy President, Engage Communications
"Committed to customer service, website is very effective and easy to navigate, a streamlined approach to the way we do business."
Justin Wegiel Corporate Fulfillment & Outside Sales Coordinator, G.A.P Adventures
"MSC-Cruises have been using the services of Contac for a few years now and we are extremely satisfied with all the services they provide us with; the distribution of our sales collateral to the agents, our special and last minute/rush requests. They are very reliable and professional and we have an excellent relationship... I recommend them to all."
J. Charles Cote Regional Sales Manager - Canada, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc.
"We have been very satisfied with the service we have received from Contac. They are reliable and, we feel confident that we can count on them to deliver our promotional material consistently on time and at very competitive rates."
Sunny Montgomery Director, Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Canada
"I am very pleased to be working with Contac. The customer service is above and beyond what one would expect from such a large company, they are extremely reliable, professional and make me feel that I am the most important account they have at all times. Contac is top notch!"
Brenda Bradley Sol Media Cuba Resorts
"We have found the personnel at Contac Services to be personable and very accessible. The overall quality of service provided is consistent and reliable and it is definitely reassuring to leave last minute, urgent and important deliveries in their very capable hands."
Paula Thompson SuperClubs Canada
"Our requests provided to Contac are done accurately and on time. Contac has always been on top of our account and helps us with any questions or concerns we may have. I have personally found that Contac has always gone that extra mile for Thomas Cook Canada."
Flemming Friisdahl Vice President, Thomas Cook Canada Sales Canada
"Delivering the right message to the right audience when it's wanted is a critical success factor for Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region. That's when Contac's super efficient, highly effective brochure distribution system goes to work. Communication 24/7 is the key, and Contac excels everywhere."
Kevan J. Ridgway President & CEO, Vancouver Coast & Mountains
"Contac's professional team constantly manages to meet the demands of our fast-paced environment; their reliable and efficient service always delivers to our expectations."
Donna Coté Mark IV
"The personalized Avril Lavigne concert guide was an enormous undertaking, the first of its kind in the music industry, and Contac's knowledgeable team provided support throughout the entire development process, ensuring we met deadlines while delivering a quality product to Avril fans."
Nettwerk Music Group

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