Larry Lawrence is a seasoned Canadian executive whose career spans more than four decades across technology, distribution, financial leadership, and national-scale operations. From his early days in computer systems technology through his years managing major IT outsourcing engagements with IBM, and ultimately to his long tenure as President of the RDD Group of Companies, Larry has built a professional legacy defined by reliability, strategic clarity, and a deep commitment to organizational excellence. His journey reflects not only the breadth of his experience but also the steady, values-centered approach that has shaped each chapter of his career.
Larry began his professional path with a technical foundation, studying Computer Systems Technology at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. His fascination with systems, process improvement, and problem-solving set the groundwork for a career that would merge the precision of technology with the complexities of business leadership. Furthering his education at the University of Alberta in Business and Commerce, he developed a balanced perspective that would later allow him to bridge the disciplines of finance, operations, and technology with ease.
His early career culminated in his earning the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation, reinforcing his analytical prowess and strengthening his ability to evaluate risk, drive performance, and manage financial outcomes. This financial discipline became a hallmark of Larry’s leadership style, guiding the strategic decisions he would make in increasingly complex roles. Soon after, Larry obtained his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, adding structure and rigor to his natural leadership abilities and preparing him for the intricate project landscapes he would soon navigate.
Larry’s 13-year tenure at IBM Canada marked a pivotal era in his professional evolution. As a Project Executive, he oversaw the delivery of large-scale IT outsourcing operations for major clients across Western Canada. He was entrusted with the oversight of multi-disciplinary teams, service-level performance, enterprise systems integration, and client relationships, all within environments that demanded accuracy, accountability, and resilience. Through this work, Larry refined his approach to leadership—one that combined strategic foresight with hands-on operational excellence, shaping him into a trusted partner for both customers and colleagues.
In 2008, Larry transitioned from global enterprise operations to entrepreneurial leadership when he took the helm as President of the RDD Group of Companies. Over the next 17 years, he guided the organization through growth, diversification, and increasing national presence. Operating three brands—School Source, Big Mountain Activewear, and Officeco—Larry built a business that became known across Canada for its reliability, service quality, and strong partnerships. Under his leadership, RDD evolved into a multi-channel distributor serving schools, corporations, and organizations from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island, all while maintaining a culture grounded in teamwork, community commitment, and operational excellence.
Larry’s leadership at RDD was characterized by his ability to see both the big picture and the operational details that powered it. He championed strategic development, strengthened the company’s supply-chain infrastructure, and cultivated customer relationships that spanned decades. His distribution expertise blended seamlessly with his financial acumen, allowing him to make pragmatic decisions that supported sustainable growth and long-term performance. By the time he exited the company, Larry had built not only a successful Canadian enterprise but also a workforce and customer base that reflected the principles he had lived by for years: respect, diligence, and enduring value.
Having sold the business and transitioned out of daily operations, Larry is entering a new chapter—one defined by selective engagement and the desire to contribute meaningfully through board service. Rather than pursuing full retirement, he seeks an intellectually stimulating environment where his experience, judgment, and strategic insights can support organizations facing growth, transformation, or operational complexity. His background in technology, finance, distribution, and corporate governance positions him as a versatile and thoughtful advisor capable of guiding companies through both opportunities and challenges.
Internationally rooted in the Canadian market, Larry has spent his career leading teams, supporting clients, and building infrastructure that spans provinces, industries, and economic conditions. Though he has worked across a vast landscape of customers—from large enterprises to small organizations—his leadership philosophy has remained constant: invest in people, prioritize transparency, and ensure every decision strengthens the long-term health of the organization. These principles have shaped his influence and remain central to the value he brings to the boardroom.
Today, Larry continues to embody the qualities that defined his career: strategic thinking, financial stewardship, customer focus, and a deep appreciation for disciplined execution. With 45 years of professional experience, he brings not only expertise but also the maturity and grounded perspective of an executive who has built, led, and exited a company with integrity. As he pursues opportunities in IT, finance, utilities, and adjacent sectors, Larry is ready to share the wisdom accumulated over a lifetime of leadership while supporting organizations seeking stability, clarity, and strategic direction.
In every role he has held, Larry’s impact has been shaped by his unwavering commitment to doing what is right for the organization, its people, and its future. His biography reflects a life spent building value, strengthening relationships, and leading with purpose—qualities that continue to guide him as he transitions into board service and the next chapter of his professional journey.
Character:
Larry exemplifies character through his unwavering integrity and his commitment to leading with fairness and transparency. He consistently demonstrates resilience in the face of complex challenges, approaching every decision with ethical clarity. His dedication to building trust within teams and organizations underscores the reliability that has defined his entire career.
Knowledge:
His knowledge is rooted in decades of executive leadership across technology, finance, distribution, and strategic operations. He continuously applies a thoughtful blend of practical experience and analytical insight to solve organizational challenges. His ability to integrate technical understanding with financial and operational expertise gives him a comprehensive perspective that strengthens decision-making.
Strategic:
Larry approaches every organizational opportunity with a clear, forward-thinking mindset that emphasizes sustainable results. He excels at anticipating risks, shaping long-term plans, and guiding teams toward outcomes that align with the organization’s mission. His strategic judgment has been refined through years of leading businesses through growth, transition, and transformation.
Communication:
Communicating with clarity, purpose, and respect, ensuring that complex ideas are understood across all levels of an organization. He values dialogue as a tool for alignment and collaboration, fostering environments where people feel heard and supported. His communication style strengthens organizational cohesion and reinforces his effectiveness as a leader and advisor.
