Ryan Anderson recognized for transforming Canpac Marine into a global subsea solutions leader and advancing Canada's blue economy
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 26, 2026 /CNW/ -- Traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and səlilwətaɬ Nations -- Ryan Anderson, CEO and Owner of Canpac Marine, a leading provider of specialized marine and offshore solutions, has been named the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Pacific Overall Award winner by an independent judging panel. He was recognized at last night's celebration in Vancouver alongside five regional winners, an EY Ripples Impact Entrepreneur Special Citation recipient and the region's 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award of Excellence Award recipient.
"In an industry where there's no margin for error, Ryan has built a business that customers trust to perform in some of the world's most demanding environments," says Carla Marchant, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Pacific Program Co-Director. "His influence reaches beyond the company, from strengthening Canada's subsea capabilities to helping shape the standards that guide complex underwater work."
Founded in 1980, Canpac Marine is a provider of specialized marine and offshore solutions, delivering commercial diving, robotics, submarine cable and vessel services across some of the world's most challenging subsea environments.
Since acquiring the company in 2018, Anderson has transformed Canpac from a regional service provider into an integrated solutions partner serving clients across the renewable energy, scientific research, government and marine infrastructure sectors. His commitment to sustained technical advancement has driven investments in fleet modernization and proprietary technologies, including the development of one of the world's most advanced remotely operated vehicles capable of operating at depths of up to 6,000 metres. By integrating four complementary service lines into a single operating model, Anderson has strengthened Canpac's competitive advantage and positioned the company to meet growing demand across the rapidly evolving ocean economy.
As Canpac has expanded, Anderson has embedded environmental stewardship and community impact into the company's growth. Through support for marine conservation initiatives, offshore renewable energy projects and climate-focused scientific research, the company continues to help protect marine environments while advancing scientific understanding of the world's oceans. He has prioritized and strengthened relationships with Indigenous communities, supported scholarship opportunities in marine engineering and subsea technologies, and invested in initiatives that help develop the next generation of skilled trades and technical professionals.
"Ryan demonstrates how success isn't just measured by what a company achieves, but by the impact it leaves behind," adds Louisa Lun, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Pacific Program Co-Director. "Through his leadership, Canpac is helping strengthen Canada's subsea capabilities while creating lasting environmental stewardship, scientific advancement and opportunities for future generations."
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Pacific Category Award winners:
Jack Yao and Christiana Luo | Big Way Hot Pot (Brand-Led Growth)
Jared Atchison | ITI (Business Enablement)
Brad Liski | Tru Earth Environmental Products Inc. (Consumer & Health Services)
Ian Mortimer | Xenon (Science & Technology)
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Pacific EY Ripples Social Impact Entrepreneur Special Citation recipient:
Dorothy Grant | Dorothy Grant Ltd.
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Pacific Lifetime Achievement Award of Excellence recipient:
Anthony von Mandl | The Mark Anthony Group of Companies (learn more)
What's next?
As the Pacific region's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026, Ryan will compete with winners from the Prairies, Ontario and Eastern regions for the national title of Canada's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026. The national award will be presented at a celebration on November 24, 2026, in Toronto. Canada's winner will then advance to the global stage in 2027 to compete with more than 50 other country recipients for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ hosted in Monaco.
More information
Follow @EYCanada and #EOYPacific on social for the latest event updates. Visit ey.com/ca/EOY for more program details and a complete list of finalists and winners.
About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year®
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program shines a spotlight on entrepreneurs across Canada who master the artful balance of passion, determination, character and skill to create businesses that address the most complex challenges and build a better working world. By joining the program, you'll have the opportunity to celebrate success with your team, inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and gain access to an exclusive global network of program participants that help to build connections, fuel success and navigate long-term growth.
The 2026 Pacific independent judging panel comprises Peter Cowan, CEO, Innovate BC; Stephen Lee, CEO, Musqueam Capital Corp.; Greg Louie, Governor, London Drugs; Michael Menzies, CEO, The Universal Group; Gillian Winckler, Chair of the Board, Pan American Silver; and Aisha Yang, Co-Founder and CEO, Herbaland Naturals Inc.
This year's national program sponsors are Air Canada, TSX Inc., The Globe and Mail and The Printing House. The Pacific regional program sponsors are BC Business, Cozen O'Connor and DLA Piper. The regional event sponsor is The Jim Pattison Group.
About EY
EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.
Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.
EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fuelled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.
All in to shape the future with confidence.
EY refers to the global organization and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com/ca.
This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP.
SOURCE EY (Ernst & Young)
Share this article