Craig White M&AMI, CBI

Pacific Mergers and Acquisitions Inc, Vancouver, BC

VIEW MY IBBA PROFILE

Originally from Australia, I moved to Vancouver, BC, in 1991 to pursue my dream of a professional golf career before fully transitioning into the business world. I quickly rose to become a leading consultant and senior executive at one of the world’s largest travel organizations.

Following several successful years in the airline and travel industry, I embarked on an entrepreneurial venture by acquiring businesses in the playground and amusement industry. Over a five-year period, I led the company to 400% growth in sales revenue and established a dealer network spanning more than 25 countries. After this period of success, I sold my shares of the business and shifted focus to consulting roles within the region before joining the business brokerage industry in 2016 with Pacific Mergers and Acquisitions.

In addition to my education at the UBC Sauder School of Business, I hold the Master Certified Business Intermediary (MCBI) designation through the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) and am a member of M&A Source with the M&AMI designation. My commitment to the community extends beyond business, as I actively serve on several foundation leadership teams, contributing to a range of philanthropic efforts.

Since entering the business brokerage industry in 2016, I have consistently received recognition from both the IBBA and the M&A Executive Club Chairman’s Circle. In 2020, I was elected to the IBBA Canada Board, where I served as President for three years. During my tenure, we achieved year-over-year membership growth and successfully hosted our first conference in over a decade, which earned accreditation from the IBBA for CBI conference and educational requirements

Questions & Answers

Q: Our primary END is that The IBBA exists so that business brokers, transaction advisors and business intermediaries have access to other Members and groups of this community, whereby they receive professional support, services and benefits and where the value the Members receive far exceeds the cost to them. What does this mean to you?

A: In my opinion, the organization’s goal is to create a supportive, resource-rich community for its members, including business brokers, third-party advisors, and intermediaries. The association focuses on providing networking opportunities that help members build connections and grow through shared knowledge and experience. A member’s return on value should not be measured by cost alone but by the growth and success achieved through the business network developed from these connections.

Q: Our Governance model states that the Board does not use the expertise of individual Board members to substitute for the judgment of the Board, although the expertise of individual Board members may be used to enhance the understanding of the Board as a body.  How do you think your experience will enhance the understanding of the board as the governing body?

A: Overall, my diverse international experience, leadership skills, and strategic vision will provide valuable insights into new perspectives for the board. My leadership roles in various foundations demonstrate a strong commitment to governance and community engagement, both of which are essential for effective board participation. My recognized credibility in the business brokerage industry, along with my tenure as President of the IBBA Canada Board, underscores my ability to drive growth and expand networks. These strengths will be instrumental in helping the board implement strategies to increase membership, enhance engagement, and broaden the organization’s influence.

Q: Our Governance model states that as one of its primary jobs, the Board, as individual members and as a whole, have direct responsibility to create the link between the Ownership and the operational organization.  What does this mean to you?

A: Having had the honor of serving on the BOG as the IBBA Canada Chapter President, I am familiar with the Carver Model of Governance.

The responsibility of individual governors and the board to create the link between ownership and the operational organization means that, as board members, we are accountable for ensuring the organization remains aligned with the values and expectations of its members (owners and stakeholders). We are therefore responsible for:

1. Hearing, understanding, and clarifying the expectations of our members — including their needs, interests, and values. This involves direct communication, gathering feedback, and also seeking to recognize and understand unspoken expectations. It is essential to ensure that members’ perspectives are integrated into our strategic direction (ENDS).
2. Setting the strategic direction in policy through ENDS, based on and reflective of members’ expectations.
3. Ensuring that the organization operates within the framework of these policies, while also monitoring and evaluating performance to confirm it meets the expectations we set as a board.
4. Creating a bridge between the members and the operational organization.
5. Remaining accountable to the members by ensuring the association is managed and governed in alignment with their interests and expectations (our purpose of existence).
   In essence, the board serves as the vital link between the owners and stakeholders and the day-to-day operations of the association, ensuring alignment at all times.

Q: In summary, why do you believe that you should be amongst those chosen to serve on the IBBA Board?

A: I bring proven leadership experience and a deep understanding of the Carver Model of Governance, gained through my service on the BOG as IBBAC Chapter President. I recognize that the board’s role is to ensure alignment between the association’s strategic direction and the values, needs, and expectations of its members. My experience has equipped me to listen, interpret, and act on member feedback while ensuring it is integrated into long-term strategy and policy (ENDS). I have a track record of fostering accountability, bridging members with the operational organization, and driving initiatives that strengthen engagement and growth. With my background, credibility in the business brokerage industry, and strong commitment to governance, I am confident I can add meaningful value to the IBBA Board and help advance its mission globally.