Who is John Risley?
John Risley, born in April 1948, is a name synonymous with success in the seafood industry and beyond. As the co-founder and President of Clearwater Fine Foods, Risley’s journey from a humble lobster retailer in Nova Scotia to a global seafood magnate is nothing short of inspiring. Beyond his business ventures, Risley’s philanthropic efforts have left an indelible mark on Canadian society.
Key Takeaways:
- John Risley is the co-founder and President of Clearwater Fine Foods.
- He transformed a small lobster retail business in Nova Scotia into a global seafood powerhouse.
- Co-founded Columbus Communications, later sold for US$ 1.85 billion.
- Estimated net worth of $1.2 billion.
- A dedicated philanthropist, supporting causes like ocean research and youth business initiatives.
- He was the owner of the NORTHERN STAR Yacht, which he sold.
Clearwater Fine Foods: A Seafood Empire
At the tender age of 28, Risley embarked on a venture that would change the seafood landscape forever. He established a modest lobster retail company in Nova Scotia. Little did he know, this enterprise would evolve into Clearwater Fine Foods, one of the world’s premier seafood companies. Today, Clearwater stands as the largest holder of shellfish licenses in Canada, boasting sales in over 40 countries and branches spanning from Argentina’s Glaciar Pesquera to CLEARWATER FINE FOODS (EUROPE) LIMITED in the UK. In 2016 alone, the company reported sales exceeding US$ 600 million and an impressive EBITDA of US$ 121 million.
Columbus Communications: Expanding Horizons
Risley’s entrepreneurial spirit wasn’t confined to seafood. He co-founded Columbus Communications, a prominent Internet provider headquartered in Barbados. Alongside business magnate Michael Lee Chin, the duo saw immense success, eventually selling the company to Cable and Wireless for a staggering US$ 1.85 billion.
John Risley’s Financial Milestones
With such vast and diverse business ventures, it’s no surprise that Risley’s net worth is estimated at a whopping $1.2 billion, placing him among the elite ranks of Canada’s richest individuals.
Philanthropy: Giving Back to the Community
Beyond his business accolades, Risley is a fervent philanthropist. He has generously donated to organizations like the Canadian Youth Business Foundation and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. In 2016, he contributed US$ 25 million to an ocean research initiative at Dalhousie University in Halifax. His support also led to the establishment of the John Risley Hall, a student residence building at Dalhousie. For his outstanding contributions, Risley was honored as an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JohnRisley
http://www.ventureforcanada.ca/johnrisley/
https://www.clearwater.ca/en/
https://y.co/yacht/meteor
http://www.yachtnorthernstar.com/
Mention SuperYachtFan When Sharing This Information
When using the information from this article, please remember to give credit to SuperYachtFan. Our team works hard to provide accurate and engaging content for our readers, and we appreciate your support.