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Barry Shafran
Corporate Director, Advisor and former CEO
Professional Background
Barry Shafran is a highly accomplished business executive with over 21 years of experience in the equipment finance industry. He is best known as the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Chesswood Group Limited, a public North American equipment finance company. Under his leadership, Chesswood was transformed from a modest independent vehicle leasing business into a significant player in the financial services sector, encompassing a variety of essential financing solutions for businesses across the continent. Founded in 1999, the company achieved its initial public offering (IPO) and has since flourished under Mr. Shafran's keen oversight and innovative guidance.
Notably, Barry dedicated a significant portion of his strategy to expanding operations in the United States. This ambition led to the development of Pawnee Leasing Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary established as an industry leader in the U.S. equipment leasing space, and the later launch of Tandem Finance in 2019, further cementing his commitment to growth and market penetration. Mr. Shafran's strategic foresight and operational expertise have been the driving forces behind Chesswood's achievement of sustainable year-over-year growth, establishing the organization as a recognized entity in an ever-evolving market.
Education and Achievements
Barry Shafran's academic background laid a solid foundation for his notable career. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Commerce from the prestigious University of Toronto, equipping him with the analytical skills and business acumen required to navigate the complexities of the financial sector. Additionally, he completed his Chartered Accountant (CPA) studies at CICA/ICAO, providing him with a thorough understanding of accounting principles and financial management.
Mr. Shafran's professional journey is underscored by several key positions in national service businesses where he excelled as a President, driving operational strategies and providing vision for growth and innovation. Not only has he been influential in promoting change management and program development, but his expertise also extends to fundraising in both private and capital markets in both the United States and Canada.
Notable Contributions
Throughout his successful career, Barry has been instrumental in numerous acquisitions and divestitures that have strategically shaped the landscape of the businesses he was involved with. His proactive approach and keen insight into market trends have enabled him to identify and seize opportunities for growth, leading his teams with purpose and confidence.
In addition to his role at Chesswood, Mr. Shafran has been involved with several other organizations, providing his expertise and insights as an advisor and board member. He served as an advisor at DSMA - Dealer Solutions Mergers and Acquisitions, demonstrating his commitment to supporting business transformations through sound financial strategies. His previous advisory role at Moskowitz Capital Corporation and his directorship at Rifco National Auto Finance Corporation further reflect his breadth of experience and depth of understanding of the financial landscape.
Aside from his ventures in the equipment finance sector, Barry also served as Sr. Vice President of Business Development at Cryptologic, drawing on his skill in aligning services with market demand to drive growth. His early role as President at Selena Coffee Limited is a testament to his versatility and ability to thrive in various industries, showcasing his adaptive leadership style and strategic planning capabilities.
In summary, Barry Shafran has established himself as a leader in the equipment finance industry through his pioneering spirit and relentless drive for excellence. He has accrued a wealth of knowledge through his varied roles and responsibilities, is a respected voice in his field, and has made significant contributions to the businesses he has touched. His educational background and professional experiences combine to provide him with the skills necessary to navigate the challenges of the financial landscape, continually seeking innovative solutions to advance the companies he leads and the industry as a whole.
