Robert Lewis-Manning
A career built at the intersection of public policy, industry, and community — bringing clarity to complexity and helping leaders move from intent to action.
Strategy grounded in
relationships.
Robert Lewis-Manning is the Founder & Principal Advisor of Lewman Strategies and a trusted voice at the intersection of public policy, industry, and community. A retired senior officer of the Royal Canadian Navy, he brings decades of leadership across the marine, defense, and public-policy sectors — translating operational discipline and strategic foresight into outcomes for boards, governments, and executive teams.
His career spans command and senior executive roles across military, crown, and non-profit organizations. He served as Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, where he led a board-mandated transformation of a $400M multi-use asset portfolio, and he currently serves as President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Vancouver Maritime Museum.
Robert’s work has shaped national policy and precedent — from advocating Canada’s first marine conservation agreement to protect endangered whales, to serving as lead strategic architect for amendments to the Canada Shipping Act. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the national Supply Chain Resiliency Task Force, negotiating the first seafarer vaccination program and preventing a shutdown of Western Canada’s maritime gateway.
A recipient of the Order of Military Merit, he has provided expert testimony before the House of Commons of Canada and continues to advance Indigenous economic equity, clean-technology innovation, and sustainable maritime governance across Canada. Based in Victoria, British Columbia, he advises founders, executives, and public-sector leaders on strategy, government relations, and partnership development.
Lewman Strategies was founded on a simple conviction: the most complex public issues are rarely solved by expertise alone. They are solved by people who listen first, who understand the landscape of interests and relationships at play, and who have the credibility to bring diverse parties toward common ground.
A record of
consequential results.
Advocated and negotiated the first-ever marine conservation agreement in Canada to protect endangered whales, securing the support of three Federal departments.
Oversaw a board-mandated transformation of a $400M multi-use asset portfolio, delivering 29% revenue growth and 15% profitability improvement in a single fiscal year.
Served as lead strategic architect for national supply chain resilience, successfully influencing amendments to the Canada Shipping Act for increased accountability, flexibility, and safety.
Led the COVID-19 Supply Chain Resiliency Task Force, negotiating directly with Public Health and Transport Canada to implement the first seafarer vaccination program — preventing a shutdown of Western Canada's maritime gateway.
Directed the governance shift from consultation to economic equity with Indigenous communities, securing Gold PAIR certification for excellence in Indigenous relations.
Stewarded the procurement of $32M in federal and provincial funding for marine electrification infrastructure, alongside a comprehensive 5-year strategic business plan.
Headed a 1,200-person humanitarian relief mission in Central America in direct response to devastating floods.
Led operational planning and implementation of an international maritime surveillance and contingency plan for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, coordinating across provincial and federal agencies.
Founding CEO of clean-tech start-up pioneering technology to sanitize and manage ship waste streams, building the venture from concept through regulatory approval, commercialization, and acquisition.
As head of a national shipowners association, led a precedent-setting legal challenge before the US District Court — successfully overturning a federal regulatory decision and securing a landmark ruling that reshaped maritime regulatory precedent.
A custom-built
team for every
engagement.
Lewman Strategies is not a fixed roster. For every client, we assemble a purpose-built team drawn from a broad network of expert colleagues — the precise mix of knowledge, relationships, and experience your specific challenge demands.
Right Expertise, Every Time
No two challenges are identical. We assemble the precise mix of policy, legal, financial, and sector expertise your engagement demands — not a fixed roster.
A Trusted Network
Over decades of work across government, industry, and Indigenous communities, we have built a broad network of respected expert colleagues we call on when their knowledge is needed.
Single Point of Accountability
You work directly with the principal. While the team behind your engagement may shift, the leadership, judgement, and accountability never do.
Lean and Purpose-Built
You engage the expertise you need — and only the expertise you need. No bloated teams, no junior pass-throughs, no overhead you are paying for someone else to carry.
Let's build your team.
Tell us about your challenge — we'll bring the right people to the table.