Zulu Alpha Kilo has been recognized as a 2018 winner of the prestigious Canada’s Best Managed Companies designation. Now in its 25th year, Canada’s Best Managed Companies is one of the country’s leading business awards programs recognizing Canadian-owned and managed companies for fearless leadership, relentless innovation, and world-class business practices. Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates the calibre of their management abilities, practices and long-term vision.
Among the factors contributing to Zulu’s win were its innovative, counter-intuitive business practices, track record of well managed growth, and its unique culture, driven by a set of uncompromising core values. “Having some of Canada’s top business leaders recognize Zulu in this way is an incredible honour,” said Zak Mroueh, Zulu’s Founder and CCO/CEO. “Even though we’re now over 100 people, size doesn’t define us. Sticking to our core values and beliefs have been key to our success and growth. I’m proud of our management team and the entire agency.”
“Best Managed winners should be extremely proud of their accomplishments,” said Lorrie King, Partner, Deloitte and Co-Leader, Canada’s Best Managed Companies program. “The marketplace is changing rapidly and this incredible class of companies’ commitment and entrepreneurial leadership help drive business success that is critical for the health of our economy.”
2018 Best Managed companies share commonalities that include a clear strategy and vision, investment in capability and commitment to talent. Zulu was cited for their innovative business practices and culture, driven by staying the course with its core values. While the agency could be double its current size, it’s chosen a very considered path to growth by being highly selective about the opportunities it takes on. In addition, Zulu’s international recognition as Ad Age’s Small Agency of the Year in 2016 and 2017 impressed this year’s judges.
“We’re incredibly proud of being honoured as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies because it’s the result of a combined effort from the entire company and a stamp of excellence for our leadership team,” said Mike Sutton, Zulu’s President. “From the day our doors opened, Zak had a clear and inspirational vision for Zulu and the type of company we’d become and that vision is coming to life,” added Sutton.
This recognition comes on the heels of the agency being the top-ranked Canadian agency on the Warc 100 list of the world’s most effective agencies, coming in at #29 globally.
2018 winners of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies award will be honoured at the annual Canada’s Best Managed Companies gala in Toronto on April 11, 2018. Zulu and the other winners will be featured in this month’s issue of Canadian Business magazine.