Wes Hall is one of the most influential businesspeople in Canada. A popular “dragon” on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, Hall has been called one of the nation’s “most influential powerbrokers” by The Globe and Mail, named one of the “most powerful businesspeople” by Canadian Business, and ranked 16 on Maclean’s 2021 Power List. From orchestrating multi-billion-dollar deals for Canada’s corporate elite to boldly fighting systemic racism, Wes makes big things happen.
Wes came from very humble beginnings, growing up in a tin shack in rural Jamaica. Today, he is the founder of Kingsdale Advisors, where he has established himself as the preeminent leader in shareholder advisory services. His clients are some of North America’s biggest names, including Air Canada, Barrick, BHP Billiton, Citigroup, CN, CP, OVINtiv, Goldcorp, Talisman, and Suncor. He has also been sought out to lead some of the highest profile deals and activist campaigns in North America.
In June 2020, Wes launched Black North Initiative (BNI), which challenges Canadian businesses to end systemic racism head on in a business centric approach. As the founder and executive chairman, he and his highly esteemed team of experts are collaboratively improving the lives of millions of black Canadians by opening doors that otherwise would have been shut.
Wes’s success and reputation led him to CBC’s Dragons’ Den. The first Black Dragon, he aims to create more opportunities for BIPOC entrepreneurs. Wes is also the executive producer of the Dionne Warwick documentary, Don’t Make Me Over, which premiered at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival; host of the podcast, Between Us: with Wes Hall, launched in partnership with TorStar group; and the author of his memoir, No Bootstraps When You’re Barefoot.
In 2021, Wes was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for his exceptional leadership in business, and in 2022 received the Canadian Business Leader of the Year Award. He is also the recipient of two honorary doctorates from the University of Ottawa in June 2021 and Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) in November 2021. In 2024, Wes was elected Chancellor of the University of Toronto.
Recognized for his custom suits and fast cars, Wes is also known for his generosity, leveraging his business success to benefit others. He sits on the board for SickKids Foundation, Pathways to Education, the Toronto International Film Festival, and The Black Academy. He is also a member of the Board of Governors at Huron University College and the founder and chairman of The Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism. In 2024, he also co-founded an Indigenous real estate advisory, which will work with clients to implement modern construction practices to increase productivity and reducing development costs.
