‘At TDS we foster a culture of collaboration and global connectivity, which is why it was so important to bring on a leader based in Calgary’
Ryley Moskal says it’s perhaps growing up in Banff — mixing with the many international students who worked there during ski and golf seasons — that led him to have an ear for accents. It’s been helpful in his new appointment as managing director, North America of Test Driven Solutions (TDS) with a head office in Newcastle, UK.K., where the Geordie accent is not the easiest to understand.
Moskal moved to Calgary from his mountain home to attend university to study to be a lawyer. But after graduating with his B.A. Law and Society degree, he realized that it was not the career path that he wanted. He opted for technology and joined the newly launched Calgary firm of Robots & Pencils where he finished up as vice-president strategic projects in his eight years there.
The next move was as founding team member of the Calgary office of U.S.-based Copia Wealth Studios where he led strategic planning, the build-out and commercialization of products.
The TDS connection came through its CEO Sam Clark who had returned to his native Newcastle after living for a time in Canmore 14 years ago as a devotee of our Rocky Mountains — and Calgary. As his company became successful in providing a quality augmented service, supplying high-calibre consultants to support organizations and assist with the delivery of ongoing projects and programs, Clark first expanded TDS operations in North America, and chose Calgary as its continental headquarters.
He says he enjoys the city which is culturally aligned with the north of England and has good people. He is most impressed with the energy of the city’s educated employees and the growth of its high technology sector.
His office opened here in 2021 and has grown to a staff of 16 program developers who have been busy with Calgary clients, but it needed a leader to strategize for growth and to market the firm to other potential users in a broader range of industries. Clark had been impressed with Moskal during his visit to Calgary and finally persuaded him to join TDS as managing director, bringing his proven experience in driving business growth and delivering strategic technology solutions. He will focus on Fortune 500 and top Canadian and U.S. clients in industries such as finance, oil and gas, logistics, safety, transportation and technology.
Noting that Moskal is attuned to Calgary’s economy and its strong tech sector growth, Clark said, “Ryley’s experience leading high-quality teams, with a focus on innovation and strategy make him an ideal leader for our North American expansion. At TDS we foster a culture of collaboration and global connectivity, which is why it was so important to bring on a leader based in Calgary.”
Clark added, “We’ve always sought to ensure that our clients and team receive the full benefit of our wide-ranging experience, by having team members from our Newcastle and European offices work in Calgary, and vice versa.”
TDS provides solutions to clients as an off-site development team or by adding extra firepower to in-house software parties, offering individual software consultant or full team support for short- and long-term projects.
Moskal noted, “I’m a believer in helping companies achieve exceptional results by bringing in world-class teams that accelerate that mission.”
The international collaboration allows TDS to offer a blend of local insights and global expertise. Clark added, “Whether it’s tapping into the technical strengths of the office in Calgary or leveraging innovative solution from the 120 staff in the UK and Poland, TDS provides a seamless, integrated approach to meet unique client needs.”
Notes:
On Sept. 18 Silvera for Seniors is celebrating the opening of its latest affordable home for seniors, Livingston Terrace Apartments located at 49 Livingston Hill N.E.
Already near capacity, the 47 units in Phases 1 and 1A are part of a mixed affordable housing project containing a range of affordable non-market and below-market rents. None will exceed Calgary’s average market rent as established by CMHC.
The buildings were made possible through partnership with Brookfield Residential and a significant financial investment from Silvera and its government partners: Government of Canada (through CMHC), Government of Alberta’s Affordable Housing Partnership Program, and the City of Calgary.
Silvera’s housing portfolio has over 1,805 units in 28 supportive and independent living communities located in neighbourhoods across the city.
David Parker appears regularly in the Herald. Read his columns online at calgaryherald.com/business. He can be reached at 403-830-4622.