Kevin Ford

Collaborator
DISC Type : si

Executive - Calian Group (Transitioning CEO role) at Calian Group

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Overview

Kevin Ford is a long-serving executive, transitioning from his role as CEO of Calian Group after 15 years. His career began at the Department of National Defence and included a partnership at IBM before he led Calian through significant growth, completing 18 acquisitions and transforming it into a diversified global solutions company.

Outside of his corporate career, Kevin is a passionate musician, playing in a band that competes in Ottawas "TechRocks" battle of the bands. He enjoys blues and rock music and is a community champion, supporting various charities and coaching hockey for over 20 years. He is a husband and a proud father of four sons.

Unique fact: Kevin built his successful 43-year career, including a decade as a public company CEO, without a formal university education, starting his journey in a government data centre.

Personality Overview

Consensus Builder

Fair-minded

Appreciative

They are more likely to go for proven solutions.  Win-win scenarios can appeal strongly to them. Unlike D or C types, they are calm as well as friendly and can give the impression of being more receptive than they actually are.

Topics They Care About

Corporate Growth
As CEO, he led Calian through a decade of record growth, focusing on both organic expansion and a vigorous M&A strategy that included 18 acquisitions.
Defence Sector
He began his career at Canada's Department of National Defence and has focused on growing Calian's services for the defence sector, a key revenue source.
Leadership & Culture
Often speaks about the importance of teamwork, integrity, and evolving a corporate culture that is aligned on values to drive performance and employee well-being.

Media Appearances

Calian Group says CEO Kevin Ford to retire at end of the year. Featured in CityNews (Halifax)

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Kevin Ford – Calian Group Ltd. (Acumen Capital Partners Podcast Preview). Featured in Acumen Capital Partners

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Calian Group says CEO Kevin Ford to retire at end of the year. Featured in The Canadian Press

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Work History

1-2026
Executive - Calian Group (Transitioning CEO role) at Calian Group
4-2015 - 1-2026
President and CEO at Calian Group
10-2010 - 3-2015
President Business and Technology Services Division at Calian Group
10-2010
Partner at IBM Canada
Account Executive at LGS Group/IBM

Education

Kevin has no verified education history

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 29 Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Job Level : Leadership Designation : Executive - Calian Group (Transitioning CEO role) at Calian Group
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Insights For Selling To Kevin

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use phrases like ‘trust me when’, ‘your team will love’ etc.
  • When asking them questions, sound relatable and informal
  • Be visibly appreciative of their actions during your interactions

DONT's

  • Don’t ask too many questions that sound too dry and objective
  • Don’t sound very transactional
  • Avoid unnecessary confrontation if it arises incidentally

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Kevin is

  • Relationships can play a major role, followed by low risk and strong market validation.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Kevin

  • They are not very direct, and unlikely to say no to your face.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Kevin move?

  • They can take their time to make decisions, even if they are constantly involved and friendly.
  • Can Kevin take some risk or not?

  • It is unlikely that they will take many risks.

You And Kevin

Personality Compatibility


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