Hullo Ferries names new CEO as service enters next phase of growth

Vancouver Island’s fast ferry service is getting a new leader at the helm.

The Vancouver Island Ferry Company (VIFC), which operates the Hullo passenger ferries between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver, has announced Ryan Dermody as its permanent CEO.

The decision comes after a successful stretch as interim CEO, a role he stepped into earlier this year.

Dermody has been steering the company through a period of steady growth since taking on the temporary position.

In a media release, Rupesh Amin, VIFC’s founder and executive chairman, said Dermody has already proven to be the right fit.

“Ryan is proving himself to be a strong-based leader that is people-focused, operationally disciplined, and outcome oriented,” said Amin.

“His ability to inspire teams and deliver results with purpose aligns perfectly with the vision we set for Hullo—to be the world’s friendliest ferry company.”

Dermody’s career includes time in the Royal Navy and leadership roles with infrastructure and logistics companies, including Norcan, keeping him closely connected to maritime and transportation sectors.

Since joining VIFC, he has worked to strengthen Hullo’s presence as a reliable and forward-thinking travel option, linking Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

The company says his tenure has already led to improvements in on-time performance, guest satisfaction, and long-term operational planning.

“It’s a privilege to lead this incredible team into our next phase of growth,” Dermody said.

“VIFC represents a vital and transformative transportation link for British Columbia—connecting people and places in ways that are fast, friendly, and sustainable.”

Hullo launched in 2023 and now offers up to 14 daily sailings between Nanaimo and Vancouver. Over the past year, the service has positioned itself as more than just a ferry ride—leaning into a brand built on connection, comfort, and Island-to-city convenience.

With Dermody officially at the helm, VIFC says the focus remains on growing that momentum and continuing to evolve the Hullo experience for travellers.

Dermody’s only apparent and public difficulty thus far in his leadership has been the negotiations with the BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union.

The union has been attempting to negotiate a first collective agreement for Hullo’s workers, who voted 91% in favour to strike in September.

Though a strike has not occurred yet, Hullo has opted to file for mediation, rather than meet the union at the bargaining table.