Support team

Yarden Zilber, Chairman

Yarden Zilber is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 30 years in corporate leadership and business development. Born in Israel, Yarden moved to Canada in 2015 after 12 years in China. He holds a B.Sc. in Electronic Engineering from Tel-Aviv University, an executive MBA from CEIBS in Shanghai, and completed Harvard’s Venture Capital and Private Equity program. Yarden founded Sheng-BDO Ziv Haft, leading the $2.5 billion Shanghai Bright Food acquisition of Tnuva. He chaired Niricson Software (2020-2023), and has been a Partner in Dogtopia of Seattle and Board Member of Dogtopia Canada since 2019, becoming Chairman in June 2024. Active in the EO Network Vancouver Island Chapter, he chairs the Canada Global Student Entrepreneur Award program and serves on the THOMAS GSEA FOUNDATION board. Yarden enjoys family activities, hiking, and boating with his three children and goldendoodle.

Kim Hamm, President & CEO, Canada

Prior to being the CEO & President of Dogtopia, Canada; Kim Hamm held the position of the VP of Operations for the Dogtopia US Support Office from 2015 to 2019.  During that time, the brand grew from 27 to more than 110 locations. Previously, she was a member of Thomas Franchise Solutions who partnered with Dogtopia as a strategic investor in 2012.

Kim grew up in Canada and is a dual citizen of Canada and the US. Her prior background includes 10 years of hospitality and hotel management in Canada. Prior to receiving her Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management from Royal Roads University, she served a six-year tenure at a boutique resort in Tofino, BC, which yields the highest REVPAR production ranking amongst hotels in Canada, where she held various positions including Business Analyst, Controller and Director of Operations.

Peter H. Thomas, Board Member

Peter Thomas was one of the leading real estate developers and lenders of his time in North America, developing several billion dollars of projects. He brought the franchising rights of Century 21 Real Estate to Canada and developed it into the largest franchise in the world.

Deanna Delyea, Board Member

Deanna has been an Officer of Dogtopia Enterprises Canada Inc. since its inception in January of 2013.  Deanna is the co-owner and Controller of GAD Industries Inc. providing administrative and accounting services to several organizations.  She is the Controller of the Thomas Family Office in Canada whose interests include real estate development, investment fund management, franchising and charities. She previously administered a Small Business Loan portfolio and coordinated a training program for would-be entrepreneurs.

She is the Director of Dogtopia Enterprises LLC, the Chair of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Audit Committee in the US.

Mikhail Naumov, Board Member

Mikhail is an investor and technology entrepreneur. He serves as Founder and CEO of Paylode Inc – a venture-backed SaaS platform for Ancillary Revenue Automation. Mikhail is a best-selling author, inventor, and expert in the areas of software, artificial intelligence and technology. Mikhail has been recognized by Forbes Magazine on the “Forbes 30 Under 30” List in the category of Enterprise Technology.

Tony Jeary, Board Member

Tony Jeary is a strategist, thought leader, and prolific author of over seventy titles. For more than three decades, Tony has advised CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other high achievers on how to discover new clarity for their vision, develop focus on their direction, and create
powerful execution strategies that impact achievement and deliver results. He has personally coached some of the most accomplished people in the world, including the presidents of Walmart, SAM’s Club, Ford Motor Company, American Airlines, HP, Firestone, Samsung, and New York Life. Tony lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and works out of his think tank, the RESULTS Center, located in Flower Mound, Texas, six minutes from the DFW International Airport.

He, along with his hand-picked team, work with their clients to strategically build powerful game plans and inspire high performance. He and his team encourage and inspire all those he touches, resulting in their enhanced sales and profitability and raising their companies’ value. Tony practices the business mantra his father taught him growing up, “Give value: Do more than is expected.”

Matt Bowling, Board Member

Matt joined the team at the Dogtopia Support Office in 2015 helping in construction & design and in 2017 worked overseeing the Dogtopia Corporate Store locations in Maryland and Virginia until a new District Manager was appointed. In 2019 Bowling accepted the role of VP of CM/PM Services for Dogtopia Canada and was responsible for providing strategic construction and project management solutions to produce best in class dog daycare centres in Canada.

Now, Matt Bowling is a Senior Asset Manager at TPI, with over 35 years of experience in automotive, estate, construction, and property management. He has a proven track record of success in managing complex projects and achieving exceptional results.

Ned Levitt, Board Member

Edward (Ned) Levitt is a partner at Dickinson Wright LLP in Toronto and has been practicing for 45 years. Ned is also a Certified Franchise Executive and served as General Counsel to the Canadian Franchise Association from 2000 to 2007. He has represented some of the world’s foremost franchises and provides legal services to Canadian and international clients on all aspects of Canadian franchise law. Ned is the recipient of many awards including: Canadian Franchise Association’s Special Recognition Award – 1993 and 2007, Franchise Support Services Recognition Award – 2005, and Lifetime Achievement Award – 2010. He is continuously recognized in the Franchise Times Legal Eagles, Top 100 Franchise Lawyers in North America.

Ned has been married for over 50 years and has 3 children. He loves to spend time with his 3 grandchildren, relaxing at his cottage or enjoying a long bike ride