EXECUTIVE TEAM
PHIL DOWNE
Chairman & Founder |
The first time Phil Downe sat in the driver’s seat, he was so small his feet could barely reach the pedals. Little did he know then that he was embarking on a lifelong passion for automobiles. Now president of technology procurement consultancy, Relations Management Group in Toronto, Phil turned his passion and experience working with charities into the Yorkville Exotic Car Show in 2010.
After a successful first show, Phil worked with the Bloor-Yorkville BIA to grow the show and move it onto the famous Mink Mile of Bloor Street. He also aligned the event with Prostate Cancer Canada as the beneficiary in 2011 – fitting given the event takes place on Father’s Day. When he’s not speaking on behalf of the show, Phil can be found racing his Porsche for fun and instructing student drivers with the Upper Canada Region of the Porsche Club of America. They gather regularly at CTMP and other racetracks to work on their high-performance driving skills. |
DAVID ELSNER
Executive Director |
An avid car guy, David started as a volunteer in the first show and over time added responsibilities to become the Executive Director in 2015.
As the Executive Director, David’s responsibility is to help manage and organize the Yorkville Exotic Car Show crew as they work together to deal with the numerous tasks required to execute the event. Outside of the show, David is a Managing Partner at illuminaite and the President of DHE Consulting. He is also an Adjunct Professor in data visualization and modelling, lecturering at the Rotman School of Management, the Schulich School of Business, and CPA Ontario. Passionate about cars and giving back to society, David is proud to lead the Yorkville Exotic Car Show crew as they continue to grow the event and raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer Canada. |
DAVE BIESINGER
Chief Operating Officer |
Having developed a deep-seated passion for classic cars and car racing while living in Europe in the 70’s, Dave continues to feed that passion through his participation in the Yorkville Exotic Car Show. Since 2013, he has worked in support of bringing a truly world-class show to Toronto.
As the President of both Flowmatic Holdings Inc., an industrial equipment manufacturer, and DRB Resource Group, a product and personnel development firm, Dave can be found working with our dedicated team leading up to and during this annual Yorkville event. |
REBECCA HINCHLIFFE
Sponsorship Director |
Rebecca joined YECS in 2016. Coming from a racing family, Rebecca grew up going to racing and advanced driving schools. There were always more cars in the driveway than people to drive them. From vintage British cars to modern sports cars Rebecca has an appreciation for them all.
Working with her brother, Indycar driver James Hinchcliffe, Rebecca is the Operations Manager of Hinchtown (www.hinchtown.com). The internet “civilization” that continues to grow and expand in events, digital platforms and even beer! Rebecca is excited to participate in this event that combines beautiful cars with a great cause. |
SHARNELLE KAN
Social Media Director |
Sharnelle is a Social Media Specialist who has extensive experience managing a variety of different brands online.
She is passionate about cars and motorcycles and working with the Yorkville Exotic Car Show allows her blend her advertising expertise with her interests. Outside of the show, Sharnelle hones her social media marketing skills in the ad agency world and provides strategic direction on her clients’ paid social media strategies. |
RYAN BUAN
Photo & Video Director |
Ryan joined YECS in 2016 and is ecstatic to be a part of the team.
As a car enthusiast since childhood, he enjoys the satisfaction and emotion of driving manual transmission vehicles. He is the founder of IVIVI media (www.ivivi.ca), which specializes in video marketing and promoting Canadian entrepreneurs and performing artists. Ryan will be bringing new creative ideas in showcasing the event while also raising awareness of our charity through social media. |
LANCELOT WATSON
Photo & Video Director |
Originally, my feelings were that a camera was just a tool used for one sole purpose: to capture memories. Then I started seeing the potential of what cameras can really do, being able to capture an amazing moment and have it captivate your audience and make them feel strong emotions.
At a young age, I found a love for new technology and editing short videos. Later in life I had the opportunity to be part of a photo shoot and that was when I fell in love with the production aspect. I worked as an assistant to a professional photographer for a short time and it really solidified my passion for the art form. This is when I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in videography/ photography. While attending Durham College, I learned the fundamentals of taking my ideas from paper to the screen. With the skills I have gained, I have been able to take on some freelance work for video and photography, delivering high resolution media and learning new things as I go. |
SEAN TOLLEFSEN
Social Media Co-ordinator |
Name a car, and Sean can probably rattle off at least 5 facts about that vehicle.
He is an automotive enthusiast to the core, and his work with the Yorkville Exotic Car Show reflects that! As the Social Media Co-ordinator, Sean assists in event promotion and content creation alongside the Media Team. Sean has been in the automotive industry for the past six years and currently leads social media marketing and merchandising at Mercedes-Benz Barrie. He has also been a part of automotive-related events such as the Automotive Journalist Association of Canada (AJAC) Canadian Car of the Year Awards, and AJAC's "Eco Run" event. |
ROBERT CARROLL
Director |
Robert joined the Yorkville Exotic Car show Crew in 2015. He is a globally certified Porsche Service Consultant at Pfaff Porsche in Vaughan. He also has experience working with other exotic cars, having spent time as a service consultant at Grand Touring Automobiles.
Robert has a deep passion for exotic cars, often racing production based vehicles and once held a CSAC National Professional Race License. He’s also a current Member of the NSX CLUB Canada. |
VASSIL STAYKOV
Finance Director |
With a long history of modifying cars and motorcycles, joining the YECS team in 2013 was the perfect match for Vassil’s passion for cars and professional skillset.
As the Director of Finance, Vassil managed the not-for-profit incorporation of YECS with the federal government and CRA. Currently Vassil is responsible for the preparation of all financial statements, tax filings, and strategies to optimize sponsorship flow through to our charity partner. During the week Vassil is a Corporate Controller in the automotive sector ensuring his company’s North American operations remain profitable and competitive globally. Vassil is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a B.A.S. from York University. |
NATALIA BAKHTINA
Director |
Natalia’s keen interest in cars and driving started in early childhood before kindergarten. Having spent her early childhood on a scooter toy roaming around the house, Natalia continues to channel her enthusiasm for automotive industry as a contributing Board of Directors member of the Yorkville Exotic Car Show since 2018. Natalia is a history buff of leading global automobile manufacturers and as an avid proponent of learning opportunities about automotive industry.
Natalia is a cybersecurity professional with 20+ years of experience in the financial services and insurance industry. Natalia also enjoys downhill skiing, choir singing and ballroom dancing. |
