Yuri Fulmer
Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Yuri Leith Fulmer, OBC (born May 5, 1974) is an Australian-born Canadian businessman and philanthropist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is the chair of Fulmer & Company, global chair of United Way Worldwide, and chancellor of Capilano University. Fulmer is a member of the Order of British Columbia (2011)[1] and was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).[2]
Yuri Fulmer | |
|---|---|
| 21st Chancellor of Capilano University | |
| In office June 7, 2020 – May 31, 2026 | |
| Preceded by | David Fung |
| Succeeded by | Debra Doucette |
| Chair of the B.C. Ferry Authority | |
| In office c. 2016–c. 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Roderick D. Dewar |
| Succeeded by | Sandra A. Stoddart-Hansen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 5, 1974 Perth, Western Australia, Australia |
| Citizenship |
|
| Party | BC Conservatives |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Early life
Career
Fulmer began his career in the food and hospitality industry in 1997 by acquiring his first A&W Canada restaurant. He later expanded his holdings across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan through Western Restaurants Franchises Inc. In 2005, he acquired Mr. Mikes Steakhouse and Bar, revitalizing and expanding the chain before its eventual sale to Yellow Point Equity Partners in 2010.[4]
In 2010, Fulmer founded Fulmer & Company, focusing on investments across technology, manufacturing, and consumer goods. The company has invested in over 30 businesses, including BBSPro Services Inc.[citation needed]
Philanthropy
Fulmer established the Fulmer Foundation in 2019 to support community-focused initiatives. The foundation has partnered with organizations such as the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. He has also served in leadership roles within United Way of Canada and was appointed global chair of United Way Worldwide in 2024.
Fulmer was installed as chancellor of Capilano University in 2020 and was renewed for a second term in 2023.[5] He has supported Indigenous art initiatives through the BC Achievement Foundation and volunteers with community events such as the Honda Celebration of Light in Vancouver.[citation needed]
Politics
In 2024, Fulmer ran as the Conservative Party of British Columbia candidate for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky in the provincial election.[6] He was defeated by Green Party candidate Jeremy Valeriote.[7]
In January, Fulmer announced his intention to run in the 2026 Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership election.[8][9] During the campaign, he stated his willingness to work with OneBC and not run candidates in select ridings.[10] He placed fourth in the election.
Accolades
- Canada's Top Forty Under 40, 2008[11]
- British Columbia Community Achievement Award, 2010[12]
- Order of British Columbia[1]
- Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012 for his contribution to Canadian communities[2]
- The Joseph and Rosalie Community Vision Award, 2014[13]
- Business in Vancouver Living Legends, 2021[14]
- 2011 Recipient: Yuri Fulmer – North Vancouver: Order of BC[15]
- Entrepreneur of the Year, Finalist, 2010 - Ernst & Young[16]
- Chancellor of Capilano University[17]
- BC500 The Most Influential Business Leaders, Business in Vancouver, 2023[18]
Electoral history
| 2024 British Columbia general election: West Vancouver-Sea to Sky | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | Expenditures | |||
| Green | Jeremy Valeriote | 10,438 | 38.08 | -0.1 | $209,825 | |||
| Conservative | Yuri Fulmer | 9,762 | 35.61 | – | $86,706 | |||
| New Democratic | Jen Ford | 7,212 | 26.31 | +0.6 | $31,452 | |||
| Total valid votes | 27,412 | – | ||||||
| Total rejected ballots | ||||||||
| Turnout | ||||||||
| Registered voters | ||||||||
| Green notional hold | Swing | – | ||||||
| Source: Elections BC[19][20][21] | ||||||||