Bryan Bennett, the founder of TheMIGroup and one of the founding fathers of OMNI, died recently, aged 97.

Bryan was born in Wales, UK and spent his early childhood in India before he was sent to the UK for school. He subsequently returned to Asia and then on to the Caribbean. Later he headed for Canada where he started the company that was to become TheMIGroup, one of the major influencers in the industry.

In a recent press release his family said that Bryan was deeply passionate about the moving and relocation business.  He cared immensely for the people he worked with and all employees of TheMIGroup and worked hard to create a culture of involvement and ownership and was immensely proud of the company and its people.  Even in his eighties Bryan would attend conferences and loved speaking to all attendees to learn about their perspectives and sense of direction of the business.

Bryan was also one of the founding fathers of OMNI (Overseas Moving Network International), arranging the bringing together of CETI and Eurovan, two organisations that worked independently to serve the US van lines in Europe.  He was OMNI’s first president and subsequently its treasurer.

Patrick Oman, a past OMNI president, said that Bryan had been very influential and inspirational in the business.  Ian Waters, who was the general manager of OMNI for over 30 years, said Bryan was one of the “Titans” of the industry. “I am glad I had the opportunity to work for such a wise and inspirational leader,” he said.  Bill Graebel commented: “Bryan was certainly a visionary leader and industry pacesetter who we greatly admired and respected. He was an exceptional gentleman with a bright twinkle in his eye.  He will be missed!”

There will be a celebration of his life in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, on 10 October.

Photo: Bryan Bennett.