Author Archives: PFM Search

PFM Congratulates Shelina Esmail ! One of BC500’s Most Influential Leaders

By

Congratulations to our Partner, Shelina Esmail on being featured in Business In Vancouver’s BC500 list.

BC500 features the most influential business leaders in Vancouver. Honorees are selected for their impact, leadership, and contributions to shaping the province’s economy and communities.

Congratulations Shelina!

PFM Executive Search is recognized as a leader in executive search and has been working with some of the most prominent Canadian private, public, and not-for-profit clients over the past 30-years. We are known for our ability to recruit senior leaders from around the world to top management positions.

Neil Arao – Chief Executive Officer – Options Community Services Society

By

PFM Executive Search is delighted to announce that Neil Arao has accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer with Options Community Services Society, effective July 7th, 2025.

Neil brings over 19 years of leadership in the non-profit and public health sectors, including senior roles with Fraser Health, PHSA, and Vancouver Coastal Health. At Options, he has championed transformative initiatives focused on housing, mental health, and community-based care.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Neil!

PFM Executive Search is recognized as a leader in executive search and has been working with some of the most prominent Canadian private, public, and not-for-profit clients over the past 30-years. We are known for our ability to recruit senior leaders from around the world to top management positions.

PFM Team Volunteers at The Sharing Farm Society

By

PFM Executive Search strives to support organizations that have a positive impact on society in the local communities we serve. To that end, we were thrilled to once again volunteer with the Sharing Farm Society in July 2025 as part of our Social Impact Initiative.

Since 2002, the Sharing Farm Society has been providing access to healthy, local produce to community members facing food insecurity through sustainable farming practices while fostering community connection at its non-profit, community farm, which is located in Richmond, BC. The Sharing Farm annually donates on average 20,000 pounds of fresh produce to a wide range of recipients, including the Richmond Food Bank, the Musqueam Nation, community meal programs and faith-based food initiatives, as well as directly to food insecure families. It also runs numerous social enterprises to help support its work.

In order to harvest the fresh produce it grows, the Sharing Farm relies on over 500 volunteers annually and the devotion of a small core staff. Under the supervision of a highly knowledgeable Sharing Farm staff member, PFM was able to harvest and process over 800 pounds of cabbage, which was earmarked for the local food banks.

PFM was delighted to contribute to an organization that is making such a positive impact on the community. If you’d like to get involved, either by volunteering, donating, sponsoring an initiative, or visiting the farmstand to purchase some produce, please visit https://www.sharingfarm.ca/support.

Robert Airey – Vice President & CFO – The Land Title and Survey Authority of BC

By

PFM is Executive Search is excited to announce that The Land Title and Survey Authority of BC (LTSA) has appointed Robert Airey as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective July 7, 2025.

Mr. Airey joined LandSure Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of the LTSA, in 2020 and has since held senior financial leadership positions within the organization. He brings broad financial expertise from his work with several high growth companies including Richie Bros Auctioneers (now RB Global), Ultrasonix Medical, and Seaspan.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Robert!

PFM Executive Search is recognized as a leader in executive search and has been working with some of the most prominent Canadian private, public, and not-for-profit clients over the past 30-years. We are known for our ability to recruit senior leaders from around the world to top management positions.

Alexa Young – Vice President, Government Relations and External Affairs – Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

By

PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Alexa Young has accepted the role of Vice President, Government Relations and External Affairs with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority effective July 2nd, 2025.

“Young brings more than 20 years of senior executive experience across the natural resources, energy, technology, telecommunications, and public policy sectors. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Policy, Government Relations and Public Affairs at New Economy Canada, where she led sustainable economic development, clean technology adoption, and responsible resource development. She has previously held leadership roles with the BC Council of Forest Industries, the BC Softwood Lumber Trade Council, TELUS, and Teck Resources.

Young holds a Master of Science in Politics and Communication from the London School of Economics, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Studies from Queen’s University, and a Professional Specialization Certificate in Public Policy and Governance from the University of Victoria.

She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board at North Shore Neighbourhood House and as a Board Member of Family Services of Greater Vancouver. She is also a member of BC Premier David Eby’s Trade and Economic Security Taskforce and has previously served on the boards of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Digital Technology Supercluster, and the U.S. National Mining Association.” (VFPA)

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Alexa!

PFM Executive Search is recognized as a leader in executive search and has been working with some of the most prominent Canadian private, public, and not-for-profit clients over the past 30-years. We are known for our ability to recruit senior leaders from around the world to top management positions.