In a distinguished 25-year entrepreneurial career, Zeeshan Hayat has led successful ventures in ecommerce, digital marketing, and lead generation for direct marketing campaigns. His passion for affordable housing has led him to excel in developing multifamily residential properties, showcasing significant expertise in this area.
As CEO of a award-winning digital marketing firm, Zeeshan Hayat leads his team in developing systems and processes that assist SMEs in overcoming business challenges. Through tailored software solutions, Zeeshan aims to enhance and automate sales, operations, and marketing functions comprehensively. His vision centres on making AI and automation accessible to businesses of all sizes and industries.
Zeeshan Hayat firmly believes in giving back, not only through philanthropy but also by personally engaging and supporting individuals in need within his community. Zeeshan’s initiative, 100 Meals a Week has delivered over 250,000 meals and essential supplies to the homeless in Vancouver’s DTES since 2007. In July 2019, Zeeshan partnered with several NGOs to co-establish The Muslim Care Centre (MCC), which has provided over 600,000 meals in less than 10 months, amidst the challenges of COVID-19.
Zeeshan Hayat’s passion for physical fitness began at age 17 when he earned his Taekwondo black belt and competed nationally. The competitiveness he embraced in this sport later translated into his business endeavours. This dedication to martial arts laid the foundation for a health-conscious lifestyle that he now shares through his blog. Zeeshan Hayat also enjoys mountain biking and exercising regularly.
In 2021, Zeeshan Hayat led the Pixel Moments campaign, a micro-philanthropy effort dedicated to enhancing mental health awareness. He has contributed to St. Paul’s Future Leader Committee for mental health and addiction.
Zeeshan also mentors MBA students at SFU Beedie and guides participants in Junior Achievement’s Be Entrepreneurial program.
Zeeshan Hayat has been honored with notable accolades, including the BIV BC CEO Awards, BC Export Awards, BIV Forty Under 40, Douglas College Distinguished Alumni Award, and EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist. Zeeshan’s digital marketing firm has been consistently featured on the Growth 500 list (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019), Deloitte Technology Fast 500 (2015), and Globe and Mail Canada’s Top Growing Companies (2019). In 2020, Zeeshan Hayat’s community contributions in Vancouver were recognized with the Medal of Good Citizenship by the Government of British Columbia.