B randt Louie is a Canadian businessman and the chairman and CEO of H.Y. Louie Co. Limited, a family-owned grocery and wholesale conglomerate based in British Columbia. The company was founded by his grandfather, who immigrated to Canada from China. Brandt's father, Tong Louie, vastly expanded the business, and Brandt inherited control in the 1980s.
Under Brandt Louie's leadership, the company has continued to thrive. Its main subsidiary is London Drugs, a popular Western Canadian retail chain that sells a wide range of products, from pharmaceuticals and electronics to groceries. The family also owns a majority stake in IGA grocery stores in British Columbia. He has successfully stewarded the large family enterprise, which has been a cornerstone of the B.C. retail landscape for generations. He has also served as the chancellor of Simon Fraser University.
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Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1943, Brandt Channing Louie is a Canadian businessman, influential community leader, and the third generation to head the family's century-old retail empire, H.Y. Louie Limited. His grandfather, Hok Yat Louie, immigrated from China and founded a small general store in Vancouver in 1903, laying the groundwork for the future conglomerate.
Louie received a formal education, graduating from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 1966 with a Bachelor of Commerce. He initially practiced as a Chartered Accountant until 1972 before joining the family business. This background in rigorous accounting provided the financial discipline necessary to manage and scale the company's diverse retail and distribution network, which includes the iconic London Drugs and the Georgia Main Food Group (distributor to IGA stores).
Brandt Louie's career is defined by his commitment to preserving and expanding the family legacy while serving as a prominent civic leader. He officially took the helm of H.Y. Louie Limited as Chairman and CEO in 1998, guiding the conglomerate which includes London Drugs (a Vancouver icon for over 80 years) and the food distribution group. Under his leadership, the company emphasized customer service, community integration, and long-term stability.
Louie's influence extended outside the boardroom into academia and public service. He served as the Chancellor of Simon Fraser University (SFU) for six years, receiving an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from both SFU and UBC. He also served on the boards of the Royal Bank of Canada and the B.C. Business Council. Still active today as Chairman, he is recognized with the Order of Canada and the Order of BC for his contributions to the country and the retail industry.
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Graduates with a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC (Academic Achievement).
Joins the family business after practicing as a Chartered Accountant (Corporate Entry).
Takes the helm as Chairman and CEO of H.Y. Louie Limited (Executive Leadership).
Appointed Chancellor of Simon Fraser University (SFU) (Civic Role).
Named to The Order of Canada and receives the Order of BC (National Honors).
Continues as Chairman of London Drugs and an advocate for ocean conservation (Current Focus).
Brandt Louie's wealth is rooted in his family's controlling ownership of the private, diversified retail and distribution conglomerate, H.Y. Louie Limited.
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Brandt Louie is a dedicated philanthropist, focusing on the arts, education, and social justice. He is a passionate supporter of ocean conservation, acting as a partner with First Nations groups in preserving fish stocks and stewarding the land in British Columbia.
His structural contribution is his commitment to education, serving as Chancellor Emeritus of SFU and receiving numerous awards for engaged community citizenship. He is on the board of the National Coalition of Canadians Against Anti-Asian Racism, using his platform to promote social cohesion. His long-standing support for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra underscores his deep commitment to the arts.
Brandt Louie maintains the dignified, composed style of a Canadian industrial patriarch and civic leader. His attire is consistently professional and refined, favoring bespoke suits and classic business wear that reflects his high standing in Canadian society and on corporate boards. His aesthetic is one of quiet, multi-generational influence.
Residing in West Vancouver, his luxury is the immense security of the family's century-old, privately held empire. His life is defined by active corporate governance and his passions for fishing and ocean conservation, spending his time ensuring the longevity of both his business and the natural environment of British Columbia.
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“As a business leader, I use my platform to educate and encourage others to contribute to the future of Canada in all sectors.”
“The core values are family, hard work, integrity, and stewardship of the land.”
“I am ready.”
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-0.14% | -$22.68M
+1.34% | +$22.79M
This profile is compiled from verified biographical and financial records:
All information is cross-referenced with public sources for accuracy; some narrative sections are AI-assisted summaries.
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