As Divisional Vice President at Holt Renfrew, Ryan leads a team of over 800 staff to deliver an exceptional experience for all who visit.

Originally from Edmonton, Ryan also spent some time in Toronto before falling in love with Vancouver on his first visit. He knew then that he would one day call the city home. So, when the opportunity came to transfer to Vancouver, he “jumped at the chance,” he shares, adding that he still remembers his first time walking down Robson Street and having sushi. It was also in Vancouver that he met his wife, and together they now share two children and their dachshund, Chip.

For the last 20 years in downtown Vancouver, Ryan has worked in different roles and in different capacities, adding that “it’s been amazing to see the downtown core evolve over this time.” For the last 12 years, however, he’s worked at Holt Renfrew.

Holt Renfrew was established in 1837 and is a proudly Canadian company, offering leading brands in womenswear, menswear, accessories and beauty while maintaining their quality of service. With six other locations around the country, the Vancouver store has been located in the heart of the downtown core for over 50 years. This company is extremely committed to diversity, a focus that Ryan says “allows [them] to embed [themselves] in the fabric of the city and community.”

 

Ryan says that there have been many things to be proud of. One highlight for him is working with local vendors to bring unique products to the store and their customers. An example is Mello Donuts. “It all started when driving past Mello Donuts one day and seeing a huge line up. I called the owner and asked what she thought about doing a pop up at Holt Renfrew.” Five years later, this partnership is still going strong, with Holt Renfrew working with other brands like Hype Chocolate, Green Tee Golf and Blara Organics.

Another highlight was a major seasonal campaign they shot last spring in Vancouver. To commemorate it, they held the largest event they have ever conceptualized, called Fashion Fans, welcoming over 500 guests for a special evening. They can’t wait to do it again in 2027.

Ryan is “truly excited for all the development happening in downtown Vancouver.” From new residential properties to the constantly growing culinary scene and the approval of new hotels downtown, Ryan says that “downtown is growing at a dynamic pace,” offering new places for people to be entertained. “The FIFA World Cup really showcased the city and more importantly the downtown core to the world,” he adds. At Holt Renfrew, they have plans to build on this energy with the launch of new brands, stunning visual moments and entertaining events that will maintain Holt’s presence as a community hub.

As of the end of September, Ryan will have officially joined Downtown Van’s Board of Directors, where he will help drive our organization forward while offering a unique perspective from the retail sector.

You can visit Holt Renfrew’s Vancouver store located within CF Pacific Centre at 737 Dunsmuir or check out their selection online.