Co-founder of the Dilawri Group of Companies

Ajay Dilawri is a co-founder of Dilawri Group of Companies, Canada’s largest automotive group. With more than four decades of experience, he provides strategic leadership and direction, focusing on growth, lasting partnerships and the company’s long-term vision.

In 1985, he and his brothers opened their first dealership, a Honda franchise in Regina, Saskatchewan. Together, they have grown the family-owned business to include 86 franchised dealerships representing 38 of the world’s leading automotive brands across Canada and the United States, employing more than 4,500 people today.

Ajay continues to pursue opportunities that strengthen Dilawri’s business while upholding its commitment to customer service and operational excellence. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards from automotive manufacturers in recognition of these achievements. Dilawri has also been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2023.

Beyond the business, Ajay co-founded the Dilawri Foundation in 2002. Since its inception, the Foundation has committed hundreds of millions of dollars to initiatives in health care and education that make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of Canadians.

In 2025, the Foundation committed $60 million to establish the Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute at Vancouver General Hospital, advancing cardiovascular research, innovation and patient care. In 2018, it announced a $5 million gift to the Vancouver Public Library Foundation—the largest gift to a Canadian public library at the time—to support children’s services and access to learning.

In recognition of his contributions to business and the community, Ajay was appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the province’s highest honour, in 2021.