Leadership
Our People Make the Difference
At Strategic Group, our strength comes from our people. We value a culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and built on diversity. Our team thrives on tackling challenges with creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset. We focus on attracting and supporting great talent, and we’re committed to helping our employees grow through mentorship, education, and ongoing professional development.
“As we continue to build on our strong foundations and focus on sustainable growth, I remain grateful for the dedication of our people, the opportunity to give back to our community, and the ongoing support we receive from our stakeholders.”
-RIAZ MAMDANI, CEO, STRATEGIC GROUP & CEO
Riaz Mamdani
FOUNDER & CEO
Riaz Mamdani is the Founder and CEO of Strategic Group, which he established in 2001. An investor, financier, board member, and philanthropist, Riaz previously practiced corporate, commercial, and securities law. He has guided multiple businesses from their early stages to successful public listings with multi-billion-dollar market capitalizations. Riaz is passionate about giving back to the community, supporting the arts and charitable organizations across Alberta. He holds a BSc in Pharmacy from the University of Manitoba and a JD from the University of Calgary.
Aman Bhalla
President
Aman oversees core organizational functions to align people, processes and strategy for growth and innovation. With more than 20 years of executive leadership experience, including senior roles at Avenue Living, ATCO and Aramark, Aman has guided organizations through transformation, growth and large-scale portfolio management. Holding both a BSc and MBA, along with certifications in leadership and governance, Aman is motivated by solving complex challenges and turning strategy into results. Outside of work, Aman values family time, community leadership and exploring new ideas through reading, travel and conversation.
Gudrun Seredynski
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Gudrun Seredynski is responsible for accounting and tax strategy, financial reporting, planning, internal controls, and compliance. She brings over 20 years of experience in real estate and public accounting, including 14 years with a major real estate company and 9 years with a Big Four accounting firm. A Chartered Professional Accountant with a BComm from the University of Calgary, Gudrun is motivated by collaboration and creative problem-solving. She is especially inspired by Strategic’s office-to-residential conversion projects, transforming downtown spaces into vibrant communities. Outside of work, she enjoys golfing, travelling, and yoga.
Ryan de Boer
Vice President, Leasing
Ryan manages all commercial and residential leasing activities, manages proposals and negotiations, and provides strategic direction to ensure Strategic’s spaces create long-term value and vibrant communities. With extensive experience in retail and office leasing gained at major brokerages and private firms, Ryan brings deep expertise in both landlord and tenant representation. He studied Business Administration at SAIT and Real Estate Development at the University of Calgary. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys skiing, golfing, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Trent Schaber
Vice President, Property Management
Trent leads commercial and residential operations across Calgary and Edmonton. With a background in retail operations and a BA in Psychology, Trent brings a people- and performance-focused approach to building strong teams and effective operating systems. He is motivated by turning ambiguity into structure and using measurable results to improve both the resident experience and asset performance. Trent is especially energized by Strategic’s work to reposition significant assets and create vibrant communities. Outside of work, he enjoys family time and has taught and trained Muay Thai for more than 30 years.
Beamer Comfort
General Counsel
Beamer leads all aspects of the company’s legal affairs. He began his career as a commercial litigator at a national law firm and, during law school, combined his entrepreneurial spirit with a role as a mixed martial arts fight promoter. Beamer holds a Bachelor of Communication & Culture and a Bachelor of Laws, both from the University of Calgary. He is motivated by solving complex problems with clarity and is inspired by Strategic’s work to revitalize downtown Calgary through innovative office-to-residential conversions. Beamer is an avid martial artist and youth baseball coach.
Branden Kidd
Director of Developments
Branden plans and manages redevelopment projects across the company’s property portfolio. Previously, he was a part-owner of a land development and engineering firm, gaining experience in designing and delivering projects from greenfield sites to completed builds. Branden holds a Diploma in Civil Engineering with a Structural specialization and is a P.Eng with APEGA. Passionate about shaping skylines, he is inspired by Strategic’s work to revitalize downtown Calgary through innovative redevelopment and housing projects. Outside of work, Branden enjoys time with his wife and dog, often found barbecuing and relaxing on the back deck.
Cylee Wagner-Gasmo
Manager, People and Culture
Cylee oversees talent, leadership development, organizational design, performance, systems and the overall team member experience. Since beginning her career at Strategic as an executive assistant, Cylee has developed a broad understanding of the business that now shapes her approach to people strategy. She studied Business Administration at SAIT, is a member of CREW Calgary, and mentors HR students at SAIT and NAIT. Cylee is motivated by solving challenges, developing people, and finding better ways of doing things. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, painting, true crime and horror movies.
Leonel Rincon
Director, Real Estate Investments
Leo oversees financing and acquisitions across the Strategic portfolio. Since joining the company as an asset management analyst in 2022, he has progressed through roles in real estate finance and asset management, building expertise in financing, underwriting and acquisitions. Leo holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary and is motivated by solving complex problems and finding opportunities others may not see. He is especially energized by Strategic’s creative approach to unlocking value in real estate. Outside of work, Leonel enjoys travelling, basketball, football and spending time with family and friends.
Dominic Terry
Corporate Communications Manager
Dominic oversees branding, communications, sponsorships and external relations. With nearly 25 years in broadcast media and communications leadership roles, he brings expertise in storytelling and strategic communications. Educated in Broadcast News and Public Relations at Mount Royal University, Dominic is passionate about sharing Strategic Group’s role in transforming downtown Calgary. When not at work, he enjoys golf, skiing and performing as frontman of Cabot’s Crossing, a Celtic music group.
