Jim Pattison

Jim Pattison is a Canadian business magnate, investor, and philanthropist best known as the founder, chairman, CEO, and sole owner of the Jim Pattison Group.

Jim Pattison is a Canadian business magnate, investor, and philanthropist best known as the founder, chairman, CEO, and sole owner of the Jim Pattison Group. Born in 1928, he built a large privately held conglomerate based in Vancouver with businesses across retail, food, media, and other sectors. He is one of Canada’s best-known billionaires and business figures.

Early life and career

Jim Pattison was born in Saskatoon in 1928 and moved to Vancouver as a child. He attended the University of British Columbia but left to work in business, starting as a car salesman before building his own company.

Jim Pattison Group

Pattison founded the Jim Pattison Group in 1961 with the purchase of a General Motors dealership. The company expanded into a wide range of industries and became a major privately held Canadian conglomerate based in Vancouver.

Business interests

The group’s reported interests include car dealerships, media, advertising, food, entertainment, packaging, and financial services. Sources also describe operations in more than 85 countries and tens of thousands of employees worldwide.

Philanthropy and public roles

Pattison has been involved in civic and charitable work, including as chair and CEO of Expo 86 in Vancouver. He and his family have supported health care, education, and community organizations through philanthropic giving.

Public recognition

Pattison has received major honours, including the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia. He has also been recognized by business and civic organizations for his influence in Canada.