Robert Lewis-Manning is a Victoria, British Columbia-based executive, retired senior officer of the Royal Canadian Navy, and the Founder & Principal Advisor of Lewman Strategies. Across a decades-long career spanning military command, crown corporations, and non-profit governance, he has built a record of strengthening institutions, shaping national policy, and mentoring the next generation of leaders — from the bridge of a warship to the boardrooms of the Pacific Northwest.
A recipient of the Order of Military Merit, one of Canada's highest military honours, his executive work includes a board-mandated transformation of a $400M multi-use asset portfolio at the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, the negotiation of Canada's first marine conservation agreement to protect endangered whales, and lead strategic architecture for amendments to the Canada Shipping Act.
Today he serves as President & Chair of the Vancouver Maritime Museum, advises early-stage defense and maritime ventures through SFU VentureLabs, and continues a lifelong commitment to amateur hockey officiating and mentorship of junior officials — a practice of composure and judgment tested in real time, with no room for retreat.
A career measured not in headlines but in institutions strengthened, precedent set, and decisions that held. The record below stands as the authoritative account of a working life.
A retired senior officer of the Royal Canadian Navy, with decades of leadership across the marine, defense, and public-policy sectors. Command and senior executive roles spanning military, crown, and non-profit organizations — translating operational discipline and strategic foresight into outcomes for boards, governments, and executive teams. A recipient of the Order of Military Merit, one of Canada's highest military honours recognizing conspicuous merit and exceptional service.
Led a board-mandated transformation of a $400M multi-use asset portfolio, delivering 29% revenue growth and a 15% profitability improvement in a single fiscal year. Secured Gold-level Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) for the organization's commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous economic equity.
Currently serves as President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors — advancing the maritime heritage of the Pacific coast and stewarding new revenue partnerships that secure the institution's future.
Advocated and negotiated Canada's first marine conservation agreement to protect endangered whales, securing the support of three Federal departments. Served as lead strategic architect for amendments to the Canada Shipping Act. Provided expert testimony before the House of Commons of Canada.
Led the national Supply Chain Resiliency Task Force, negotiating directly with Public Health and Transport Canada to implement the first seafarer vaccination program — preventing a shutdown of Western Canada's maritime gateway.
Founding CEO of a clean-technology start-up pioneering systems to sanitize and manage ship waste streams — building the venture from concept through regulatory approval, commercialization, and acquisition.
Mentored early-stage start-up companies at VentureLabs, with a focus on the defense and maritime industries — guiding founders through market evaluation, regulatory strategy, government relations, and capital raising. Translated decades of operational and sector expertise into the patient, founder-level counsel that turns technical ideas into durable ventures.
Founder & Principal Advisor of Lewman Strategies. Based in Victoria, British Columbia, advising founders, executives, and public-sector leaders on strategy, government relations, and partnership development.