Ray Ibsen, a well-known broker who worked in the grocery industry for 40 years, began his career at store level with Loblaws. He moved into sales on the supplier side with Quaker Oats Company in progressively senior sales roles, including being named national sales director for the company. He joined food brokerage Crombie Kennnedy Sales (CKS) as vice president, retail sales. In 2007, CKS was acquired by Advantage Solutions and Ibsen remained with the company until his retirement.

Long-time friend and colleague Ken Wade, who worked with Ibsen at Advantage Solutions, says Ibsen enjoyed his work.

“He enjoyed making and getting the big deal; he was a deal maker and a terrific broker who multi-tasked like in baseball as a great utility ball player. He is missed.”