Derek Propetto

The person behind PDX Group.

I'm Derek Propetto, a strategy and operations consultant who believes a plan without execution is just a wish. I work alongside business owners to turn ideas into results.

Why I do what I do.

I spent 19 years at HSBC, starting in collections management, moving through sales leadership, analytics, customer experience, and eventually running the small business banking division for all of Canada. In that last role, I built a new division from scratch — from zero clients to over 12,000 and two billion in assets under management by the time I left.

Along the way, I led teams of 20+, launched centralized sales operations that outperformed national branch networks, designed quality standards for four global call centres, and built multi-channel client feedback programs from the ground up.

After nearly two decades in banking, I did a brief stint at RBC leading small business strategy execution during the HSBC migration, then made the decision that had been building for years.

I founded PDX Group because I'd spent my entire career watching good strategies die at execution. I wanted to be on the other side of the table — not advising from a distance, but working shoulder-to-shoulder with owners to make things actually happen.

I also co-founded Pro-Ridge Consulting, where we conducted operational audits and interviewed key employees to assess communication, governance, and process compliance for businesses in Montreal and Toronto.

Today, my clients are established business owners who've built something real and want to go further. They're not looking for theory. They want someone who will roll up their sleeves, bring structure to the chaos, and help them grow without burning out along the way.

Outside the boardroom.

I'm based in the suburbs of Montreal, but you'll often find me on a plane to Toronto or somewhere in the US for a client engagement. I travel regularly for mandates across Canada and the US, and I've structured my practice to be just as effective on-site as remotely.

When I'm not working with clients, I'm home with my wife and our two young kids, who are honestly better at keeping me accountable than any dashboard. They're the reason I care so much about helping other business owners build something sustainable without sacrificing everything along the way.

I believe strongly that the best consultants understand what it means to build a life alongside a business, not instead of one. That perspective shapes how I work with every client.

The journey.

Dec 2025 – Present

Founder, PDX Group Inc.

BDC-authorized consultant helping established businesses grow with clarity and discipline. Targeted mandates and ongoing partnerships across financial services, manufacturing, distribution, retail and more, across Canada and the US.

Sep 2024 – Dec 2025

Co-Founder, Pro-Ridge Consulting

Conducted operational audits and interviewed key employees to assess communication, governance, and process compliance for businesses in Montreal and Toronto.

Apr 2024 – Aug 2024

Director, Business Strategy, RBC

Developed and led strategy execution for small business across RBC's Business Financial Services line. Supported HSBC-to-RBC migration activities in 2024.

Aug 2017 – Apr 2024

Head of Small Business Banking, HSBC Canada

Built and launched a new small business division from scratch, growing from zero clients to 12,000+ and two billion in assets under management. Developed the target operating model and led national go-to-market strategy.

Jun 2015 – Aug 2017

Senior Manager, Customer Experience, HSBC

Designed and led the multi-channel client feedback strategy, analyzing complaints, surveys, and social data to improve service across the organization.

Aug 2012 – Jun 2015

Manager, Analytics & Quality Assurance, HSBC

Led a team of eight managers specializing in call listening and analytics. Developed and launched quality standards for four global call centres.

Jan 2010 – Aug 2012

Sales Team Manager, Consumer Lending, HSBC

Designed and launched a centralized sales team to compete with physical branches. Average consumer lending per employee outperformed the top-performing branches in Canada.

May 2005 – Jan 2010

Operations Manager, Collections, HSBC

Managed teams of 20–25 collections agents across a variety of products. Tracked service levels, coached and developed staff, and improved collections performance.

Credentials.

PMP Certified

Project Management Professional certification from PMI — the global standard in project leadership. Certified since 2023.

BDC Approved

Active approved consultant with the Business Development Bank of Canada, delivering hands-on support to Canadian SMBs.

Concordia University

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government. A foundation in critical thinking, policy analysis, and structured problem-solving.

Approved Consultant for BDC

Ready to work together?

If you're a business owner looking for someone who will actually help you execute — not just advise — let's start with a conversation.

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