Ian F. Thomas, CDP
Chairman

Ian F. Thomas is Chairman of Thomas Consultants Inc., a firm which
specializes in the planning and development of large scale retail projects.

Formed in 1979, Thomas Consultants operates two offices in Vancouver, Canada (head office) and Brisbane, Australia.

The firm has undertaken major projects in over 50 countries where it acts for some of the largest developers and retailers in the world. As development strategists, the firm prides itself on the ‘bricks and mortar’ that result from its planning programs. Thomas Consultants’ success is based on its mandate of “making projects work”. From pragmatic research dovetailed into working with the world’s leading architects, it has manifested in many award winning centers.

Mr. Thomas is sought around the world for speaking engagements together with interviews by all aspects of the media – Television, radio, newspaper, and magazines on retail/shopping center issues.

A graduate of York University (Toronto, Canada) and a Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Thomas has authored award winning articles for such organizations such as Urban Land Institute in Washington, D.C.  His article “New Thinking for Regional Shopping Centers” won Urban Land’s Award for best article.

Mr. Thomas sits on the Board of Trustees of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) in New York. He also sits on their Foundation Board. In addition, he is the Chairman of ICSC’s International Design & Development Awards program. In 1989 he started the “Whistler Winter Conference”, which today attracts over 3,000 delegates. In 2002, he also initiated “The Leading Edge” Conference in Vail, Colorado now called REvent. Finally, he is the recipient of ICSC’s newest professional designation – Certified Development, Design and Construction Professional.

In terms of other board positions, Mr. Thomas has served as Director of Coast Appliances Ltd, Downtown Parking Corporation; CityXpress.com; Urban Development Institute; Vancouver Opera and Future Shop.