Rick Ekstein

Rick Ekstein currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Phaze 3 Associates, a family investment office focused on asset and investment management, philanthropy, and advocacy. Ekstein holds multiple board positions, including Board Member at Awz Ventures Inc., Element5 Co., and The Logic, where involvement includes advancing investments in cyber security, timber structures, and the Canadian innovation economy, respectively. Additionally, Ekstein contributes as an Advisory Board Member for Brookside Capital Partners Inc. and Elevate Export Finance Corp., providing strategic insights on private equity and structured finance. A co-founder and former President of Weston Wood Solutions, Ekstein has played a vital role in the growth of the Weston Group of Companies since joining the lumber business in 1978. Notably, Ekstein's leadership as Chairman of the North American Wholesale Lumber Association from 2008 to 2016 revitalized the organization. Educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from York University.