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Our Leadership Team

Nash Kassam

Nash Kassam, MBA

President and CEO

An astute businessman, visionary, and strategic planner, Nash thrives on solving complex challenges and delivering a win/win for customers, staff, and the businesses he leads. Over the course of his 25-year career in fast-growing companies in Canada and internationally, he has amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience in a wide range of manufacturing industries, such as metal fabrication, printing and packaging, pulp and paper, and construction. Nash is comfortable balancing the conflicting needs of high-growth and long-term strategy in his pursuit to see businesses prosper through innovative execution techniques and sound business strategies.

Morgan Sturdy

Morgan Sturdy

Chairman

A pioneer in the tech sector in Vancouver, BC, with over 30 years of executive experience, Morgan has served on multiple corporate boards, chaired the boards of BC Tech, VEF, and Science World, and is a past recipient of the BC Tech Lifetime Achievement Award. Between 1986 and 1997 he transformed his hardware company, along with his dedicated team, into a software company that was acquired. Until 2000, he operated the North American Division of the business between Vancouver, New York, and Israel. Since then Morgan has been involved in some of BC’s largest M&A exits. A well-respected entrepreneur and leader, Morgan is also a mentor to philanthropic, government, and commercial organizations and is recognized for giving back to the community.

Keith Day

Keith Day

Board Member

Keith is an experienced senior executive and officer with a strong focus on finance and operational excellence. His career prior to joining Wesgar as President and CEO and then as Executive Chairman included serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of a major east coast company with interests in regional airlines, seafood processing, ground transportation, and industrial and transportation equipment. Additionally, Keith has held the position as Chief Financial Officer for the now largest global helicopter company and Vice President Finance, Vice President Business Operations, and President of a major aviation, repair, and overhaul corporation.

Neil McDonnell

Neil McDonnell

Board Member

As an experienced director with demonstrated success in building successful global businesses, Neil has extensive experience in transforming companies in rapidly changing markets—particularly those with technology-driven applications. During his career, he has earned a reputation for being an exceptional strategist with knowledge and expertise in the fields of M&As, international business development, business negotiations, and management. Neil earned an MBA in International Business from the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Lisa Purdy

Lisa Purdy

Board Member

Lisa Purdy is an experienced executive who has worked in media creation, production, and distribution for over 30 years. Lisa has held senior leadership roles in media funding and public broadcasting prior to forming Notio Media, which provides research and strategic planning for film and television clients. Research projects include a labour market study, economic measurement tools for the creative industries, and a workforce development platform. A subject matter expert in film and television, Lisa enjoys providing solutions to complex problems for her clients and community.

John Purdy

John Purdy

Founder, Chairman Emeritus

Starting in 1968 as one of Wesgar’s original founders, John Purdy acquired full ownership the following year and became the driving force behind transforming the company into the leading manufacturing partner it is today. For over five decades, he never stopped guiding the organization through each stage of growth, until his passing in 2025.

John's contributions can be found in every facet of Wesgar's success, but none more than in fostering a deep commitment for continuous improvement, championing the adoption of new technologies and processes to elevate the quality of not only in what was built, but in the people that built it. 

For John, people were always at the heart of his leadership, and his legacy will continue to guide Wesgar's future success as a people-first culture. 

"John has been a mentor since joining Wesgar. He is one of the reasons I have been in Wesgar for 12 years now.

It has been an great honor to have known him."


- Rizwan M.

"John was always friendly and approachable he would ask how I was doing and really seemed to care about manufacturing employees."


- Egan K.

"I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Purdy once, and during our brief conversation, I was truly struck by his kindness. His warmth and positivity made a lasting impression on me. From what I’ve heard and read from others, it’s clear he was an extraordinary person and an invaluable part of Wesgar."


- Stephany S.

"I will never forget the day he gave me a ride to the bust stop, two years ago. I was Shocked that the owner of the company did that. We talked about my job, & he was glad that I liked working for his Company, Right away I knew he was a good man. You are Resting peacefully Now Sir."

- Charles E.

"I had the honour of being employed by John and Wesgar for 25 years. Throughout that period, John consistently endeavoured to understand my perspectives and offer advice on any difficulties encountered. I will remember him as an empathetic individual with substantial business acumen and personal wisdom."


- Troy R.

"I had the privilege to meet Mr. John , he was outstanding person, he always made sure that everything we do should have perfection in it either it’s about manufacturing parts or maintaining shop floor.He was very friendly and had vibrant personality with positive attitude which made a lasting impression on me.."


- Rajuuinder S.

"John was a wonderful, caring & friendly man. Many years ago, when I was working in mfg he would always stop by & ask us how we were doing & ask about what projects we were working on. He would share his great stories & laughter."


- Dianne G.

"John had the gift of instantly putting you at ease. His greatest pride in business was the company that Wesgar grew to be. He didn't count growth in revenue dollars, but in how many people were employed and about how many families he was able to support. It was never about the money. It was about making sure that the company had the resources to meet challenging times and making sure it was ready for the future."


- Keith D.

"It was a pleasure to have known such a kind person. John always took the time to stop by and chat, and I will truly miss that."


- Harley C.

"I was hired by John fairly fresh out of engineering school, and I will always be grateful for the support and patience he showed over the years. John made Wesgar a fun place to work. John would write a poem about each member of the management team, which was much appreciated.


- Al P.

"Jonh Purdy, in my eyes you are my boss and my teacher."


- Nghia P.

"Wesgar has come long journey to reach as a market leader in sheet metal fabrication industry in BC. John paved the path for the success of Wesgar with his visionary leadership and the support of wonderful team. Thank you, John."


- Madura L.

"John was more than our founder and chairman; he was our compass, guiding us with wisdom, warmth, and unwavering integrity. His vision built our foundation, but it was his genuine kindness and the dignity with which he treated everyone that truly shaped the soul of this company."

- Nash K.

"John was always kind a friendly, during each visit he would always come and share a friendly conversation, showed that he cared about the employees. Last week Keith came through the welding department without John and I felt the emptiness of his presence."


- Joel S.

"If you want to see the reflection of God you could see it in John. Such a wonderful personality."


- Tarsem J.

"it is obvious how important John was not only to Wesgar as a business, but also to everyone he came in contact with. I never worked closely with him, yet he always knew my name and had kind words whenever our paths crossed."


- Kelly T.

"What a wonderful, great man, John! John had a way of making everyone feel valued and heard. Your exemplary personality has been a great model for generations like mine. Your legacy will live on through the countless lives you touched so you will be proud looking down and smile with us for what you have given to us.."


- Tuong N.

"John always took the time to engage in thoughtful conversation. I still have a vivid memory of sitting on the couch in his office during my job interview at Wesgar over 25 years ago. May his legacy live on in everything he was a part of."


- Curtis L.