Ken Sim

Ken Sim is a Canadian entrepreneur and politician serving as the Mayor of Vancouver since his election in 2022. He is the founder of the municipal political party ABC Vancouver and the first person of Chinese descent to hold the office. His election followed a high-profile campaign focused on public safety, housing affordability, and economic revitalization in Vancouver.

Early life and education

Ken Sim was born in 1970 in Vancouver, British Columbia, to immigrant parents from Hong Kong. He was raised in the city's Kerrisdale neighborhood and attended local public schools. For his post-secondary education, Sim enrolled at the University of British Columbia, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He later obtained his Chartered Professional Accountant designation and completed the Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Business career

Prior to entering politics, Sim built a significant career as an entrepreneur and business leader. He co-founded the healthcare staffing company Nurse Next Door in 2001, which expanded across Canada, the United States, and Australia. Following this success, he co-founded the bakery chain Rosemary Rocksalt, known for its Montreal-style bagels. Sim also served in executive roles at national firms, including as a managing director at Lazard and in investment banking at CIBC World Markets. His business acumen was recognized through awards like the Entrepreneur of the Year from the Business Council of British Columbia.

Political career

Sim first entered municipal politics as the Non-Partisan Association candidate for mayor in the 2018 Vancouver municipal election, narrowly losing to Kennedy Stewart. Following this, he founded the new civic party ABC Vancouver, positioning it as a pragmatic, centrist alternative. Under his leadership, ABC Vancouver gained substantial support, leading to a decisive victory in the 2022 Vancouver municipal election. The party won a majority on Vancouver City Council, as well as on the Vancouver Park Board and Vancouver School Board.

Mayor of Vancouver

Since being sworn in on November 7, 2022, Sim's administration has prioritized a platform centered on public safety, housing, and city services. Key initiatives have included securing funding from the Provincial Government to hire additional Vancouver Police Department officers and mental health nurses. On housing, his council has advanced policies to streamline permitting for multi-unit buildings and supported the BC Builds program. His tenure has also involved navigating complex issues such as the redevelopment of the Vancouver Art Gallery and the ongoing opioid crisis, often working with provincial and federal counterparts.

Personal life

Ken Sim is married to Teena Gupta, a former investment banker; the couple has four sons and resides in the South Cambie neighborhood of Vancouver. He is actively involved in community organizations, having served on the boards of the UBC Board of Governors and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. In his limited spare time, Sim is an avid supporter of the Vancouver Canucks and enjoys skiing in Whistler.

Category:1970 births Category:Living people Category:Mayors of Vancouver Category:Canadian people of Chinese descent Category:University of British Columbia alumni Category:Harvard Business School alumni