Michael Meekins Saskatchewan
Michael Meekins Saskatchewan
President and CEO of Westbridge Capital Ltd.
President and CEO of Westbridge Capital Ltd.
Michael Meekins Saskatchewan is a prominent business leader known for his expertise in private equity, business strategy, and growth management. With a career spanning several decades, he has played an instrumental role in leading companies toward sustainable growth and financial success. As the President and CEO of Westbridge Capital Ltd., a private equity firm he co-founded, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to identify high-potential companies and guide them to reach their full potential. His leadership has been marked by a deep understanding of business dynamics and a commitment to long-term success, making him a well-respected figure in the investment community.
Michael’s journey began in his home province of Saskatchewan, where he developed a strong work ethic and a passion for entrepreneurship. Growing up in a family that valued education, he always understood the importance of knowledge and continuous learning. He attended Luther College in Regina, Saskatchewan, where he excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. His time at Luther College laid the foundation for his future career, teaching him the importance of leadership, discipline, and teamwork.
After high school, he pursued higher education at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, where he studied commerce. At Concordia, he thrived academically and honed his leadership skills by taking on various roles in student organizations and participating in competitive athletics. His involvement in sports, particularly wrestling, taught him the importance of resilience and strategic thinking—traits that would later become integral to his business career. Through his college years, he developed a keen interest in business strategy and finance, ultimately steering him toward a career in the private equity sector.
Following his graduation, Meekins’s professional career began in the telecommunications industry. He joined ACC TelEnterprises Ltd., a growing company in the Canadian telecommunications market, in 1995. At ACC, he served as the Director of Agent Development, where he was responsible for overseeing the company’s network of agents. His efforts played a critical role in the expansion and success of the business, helping to establish the company as a key player in the Canadian telecommunications landscape.
His work at ACC TelEnterprises gave him valuable experience in business development, networking, and operational management. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated an ability to forge strong partnerships, manage large-scale projects, and drive growth in a highly competitive industry. His leadership skills and ability to manage complex operations were further refined during this time, setting the stage for his future endeavors in the private equity world.
After leaving ACC, Michael transitioned to a higher leadership position at WorldxChange Corporation, a multinational telecommunications company specializing in global communication services. As Vice President, he managed operations in various international markets, guiding the company through significant expansion. His role at WorldxChange exposed him to the intricacies of global markets and allowed him to develop a broader perspective on business strategy.
During his time with WorldxChange, Meekins successfully navigated the challenges of operating in diverse geographic regions and managing cross-cultural teams. His efforts helped the company strengthen its international presence and solidify its position as a leader in the global telecommunications space. This experience was invaluable in shaping his approach to strategic decision-making, as he learned to balance local market needs with international objectives.
In 2000, Michael took on the role of President and CEO at Modern Digital Communications Inc., a telecommunications company based in Saskatchewan. He led the company through rapid growth and technological innovation, overseeing major infrastructure upgrades and introducing new services. His leadership was crucial in ensuring the company’s continued success and competitiveness in the evolving telecommunications market.
At Modern Digital Communications, Meekins applied the lessons he had learned in his previous roles to drive operational improvements and enhance the company’s service offerings. He managed large teams, fostered a culture of innovation, and worked tirelessly to meet customers' needs. Under his guidance, the company saw increased market share, improved customer satisfaction, and greater profitability.
In 2007, Michael co-founded Westbridge Capital Ltd., a private equity firm based in Saskatchewan. The firm identifies and acquires businesses with strong growth potential and operational stability. His decision to enter the private equity space was driven by his desire to leverage his management expertise and help companies reach new heights of success. At Westbridge, he works closely with his team to evaluate investment opportunities, develop growth strategies, and ensure each acquisition aligns with the firm’s long-term vision.
Westbridge Capital’s investment approach is centered on identifying companies with proven management teams and solid operational fundamentals. The firm typically targets companies with annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) ranging from $2 million to $20 million. Michael’s leadership ensures that every acquisition is thoroughly researched and carefully executed, focusing on sustainable growth and value creation.
Under Meekins’s stewardship, Westbridge Capital has successfully expanded its portfolio and delivered strong returns to its investors. His approach to private equity is grounded in his belief that long-term success is built on operational excellence, financial discipline, and strategic growth.
One of Michael’s key philosophies in private equity is the emphasis on delivering predictable returns to investors. He believes stability and reliability are the cornerstones of successful investment strategies, especially in private equity. As such, Westbridge Capital’s investment strategy focuses on creating a diversified portfolio of companies with strong earnings potential and long-term growth trajectories.
By maintaining a diversified portfolio, the firm reduces the risks associated with market fluctuations and ensures that its investments perform well over time. Michael’s ability to identify and manage these investments has been a key driver of Westbridge’s success. The firm’s commitment to generating consistent, reliable returns has earned it a reputation for financial prudence and operational excellence.
Meekins has received numerous accolades and recognitions throughout his career for his contributions to the business world. He has been recognized for his leadership in the private equity industry and ability to navigate complex investment landscapes successfully. Under his leadership, Westbridge Capital has received several awards for its financial performance and investment strategies.
The firm has been consistently recognized at the Canadian Hedge Fund Awards for its exceptional returns in the private debt category. These awards highlight the firm’s ability to generate superior results while managing risk and focusing on long-term growth. Meekins’s leadership has played a crucial role in helping the firm achieve these accolades, further solidifying his reputation as a trusted figure in the investment community.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael is also deeply committed to giving back to the community. He believes in the power of philanthropy to create positive change and has supported several charitable initiatives throughout his career. He has been involved in various organizations focusing on education, healthcare, and community development, providing financial support and leadership.
One of Michael’s most significant philanthropic efforts has been his involvement in education in Tanzania, where he has funded scholarships for underprivileged children. His contributions have made a lasting impact on the lives of many young individuals, helping to provide them with access to education and the opportunity to build a brighter future. His commitment to philanthropy reflects his belief that success is about financial achievement and making a positive difference in the world.
As Michael continues to lead Westbridge Capital, he remains focused on the firm’s long-term goals and vision. He is committed to identifying new investment opportunities, fostering growth in his portfolio companies, and maintaining a high standard of operational excellence. His leadership has positioned Westbridge Capital for continued success, and he is dedicated to ensuring that the firm remains at the forefront of the private equity industry.
In the years ahead, Michael plans to continue growing the firm’s portfolio and expanding its reach in the global market. He is focused on building lasting relationships with investors and business leaders, leveraging his expertise to create value for all stakeholders. As he looks toward the future, he remains a steadfast advocate for sustainable business practices and long-term growth, ensuring that Westbridge Capital remains a trusted and respected name in the investment community.
Michael Meekins has built a distinguished career as a leader in private equity and business strategy. His ability to identify high-potential companies, develop growth strategies, and deliver consistent returns has made him a respected figure in the investment world. Through his leadership at Westbridge Capital, he has successfully navigated complex markets, helped businesses achieve sustainable growth, and contributed to the betterment of his community. His legacy is of excellence, integrity, and a commitment to positively impacting business and society.