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Press release
15 Oct 2026
|
Calgary, Canada
President and CEO of HyLife named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Prairies
Karan Sangfai recognized for transforming a leading Canadian food production company with a global vision, operational excellence and people-first leadership
October 15, 2026, CALGARY | Traditional territories of the Blackfoot First Nation tribes of Siksika, the Piikuni, the Kainai, the Stoney Nakoda First Nations tribes of Chiniki, Bearspaw, Goodstoney and the Tsuut’ina First Nation, Northwest Métis and Métis Nation of Alberta — Karan Sangfai, President and CEO of HyLife, a fully integrated premium pork company, has been named the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Prairies Overall Award winner by an independent judging panel. He was recognized at last night’s celebration in Calgary alongside 12 regional winners, an EY Ripples Impact Entrepreneur Special Citation recipient and the region’s 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award of Excellence Award recipient.
Karan Sangfai
“The agricultural and food production sector is facing rapid change, and Karan has shown how entrepreneurial leadership can turn uncertainty into opportunity,” says Ivana Cvitanusic, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Prairies Program Co-Director. “Through a combination of global ambition and a deep commitment to people, his work is strengthening one of Canada’s most vital industries while creating lasting value across the supply chain.”
Headquartered in Steinbach, Manitoba, HyLife has grown into one of North America's leading premium pork producers, operating across feed production, farming, transportation, processing and distribution. Under Sangfai's leadership, HyLife has sharpened its focus on operational excellence and international growth, serving customers in more than 20 markets around the world.
His ability to align business innovation with long-term community impact has strengthened HyLife's competitive position through specialized processing capabilities that address global customer needs, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement that empowers employees to develop practical solutions that enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability.
Guided by a belief that business success and social impact go hand in hand, Sangfai has championed initiatives that support employee wellbeing, workforce development and inclusion. From expanding learning and development opportunities to supporting newcomers as they build lives and careers in Manitoba, he has helped foster a culture where people from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed and empowered to succeed. Through community partnerships and charitable initiatives, HyLife continues to create lasting value both inside and outside the workplace.
“Karan's leadership is rooted in a genuine commitment to people, but what makes it especially impactful is how he has successfully balanced growth, innovation and purpose,” shares Rob Jolley, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Prairies Program Co-Director. “We're proud to celebrate him alongside an outstanding group of entrepreneurs whose leadership and vision are strengthening the region’s economy.”
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Prairies Category Award winners:
Sky Mitchell | Basecamp Resorts (Experience, Hospitality and Consumer Services)
Serge Després, Adam Gallagher and Ben Tobber | Borealis (Power and Utilities)
Chris Engel | Canoco Energy Services (Industrial Solutions)
Daniel Clarke and Chris Dutcher | CSV Midstream Solutions (Oil and Gas Services)
Fatima Ebrahim Jivraj | Family Braces (Health and Wellness)
Grant Sanden | GeologicAI (Technology, Infotech and Telecommunications)
Mike Bacchus | Humanis Advisory Group of Companies (Business Services)
Barry Stewart | Igloo Building Supplies Group (Real Estate and Construction)
Adam Temple | Inline Group Inc. (Business-to-Business Products and Services)
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Prairies EY Ripples Social Entrepreneur Special Citation recipient:
April Hicke | Toast
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Prairies Lifetime Achievement Award of Excellence recipient:
Dale Wishewan | Booster Juice (learn more)
What’s next?
As the Prairies region’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026, Karan will compete with winners from the Pacific, Eastern and Ontario regions for the national title of Canada’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026. The national award will be presented at a celebration on November 24, 2026, in Toronto. Canada’s winner will then advance to the global stage in 2027 to compete with more than 50 other country recipients for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ hosted in Monaco.
More information
Follow @EYCanada and #EOYPrairies on social for the latest event updates. Visit ey.com/ca/EOY for more program details and a complete list of finalists and winners.
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About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year®
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program shines a spotlight on entrepreneurs across Canada who master the artful balance of passion, determination, character and skill to create businesses that address the most complex challenges and build a better working world. By joining the program, you’ll have the opportunity to celebrate success with your team, inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and gain access to an exclusive global network of program participants that help to build connections, fuel success and navigate long-term growth.
The 2026 Prairies independent judging panel comprises Kai Fahrion, Co-Founder and CEO, Zeno Renewables; Debbie Gust, President and Owner, WOW! Factor Desserts Ltd.; Denis Jones, President, CEO and Chairperson, Deveraux Group of Companies; Jennifer Magnus, CEO, MAGNA Engineering; Tina Naqvi-Rota, CEO, Cameron Development Corporation; Michelle Toner, CEO, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs; and Aleem Virani, Co-Founder and CEO, KV Capital.
This year’s national program sponsors are Air Canada, TSX Inc., The Globe and Mail and The Printing House. The Prairies regional program sponsors are DLA Piper and Vaco.
About EY
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EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com/ca.
This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP.