Dealer Direct Advisory
Steven Yao
Vice-President, Strategic Development
Asia-Pacific
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory, leading the firm's Asia-Pacific advisory practice. Steven brings deep cross-border expertise and international buyer relationships to Canadian automotive dealership transactions.
"The Canadian automotive market offers stability and opportunity that international buyers increasingly recognize. My role is to bridge that gap with precision and trust."
Steven Yao · On Asia-Pacific cross-border advisory
Biography
Steven Yao is a Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory, leading the firm's Asia-Pacific advisory practice.
Steven brings deep cross-border expertise and a broad network of international buyer relationships to Canadian automotive dealership transactions.
His understanding of both the Canadian market and the Asia-Pacific investor landscape makes him uniquely positioned to represent international buyers seeking Canadian automotive assets.
Advisory Philosophy
Steven believes that successful cross-border transactions are built on deep market knowledge, cultural understanding, and an unwavering commitment to the client's interests.
Career History
International Advisory & Cross-Border Transactions
Built expertise in cross-border advisory and international buyer representation.
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive, Dealer Direct Advisory
Leads the firm's Asia-Pacific advisory practice.
Background & Credentials
Cross-Border Transaction Advisory — Asia-Pacific & Canada
International Buyer Representation
Areas of Expertise
Work With Steven
All inquiries are handled with complete discretion. Reach out to start a confidential conversation.
Get In Touch+1 (416) 543-9390Notable Transactions
Asia-Pacific Advisory
Represented Asia-Pacific buyers in Canadian automotive dealership transactions.
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Paul Stern
CEO and Partner
Founding President & CEO of Dealer Direct Advisory. Paul has personally led some of the most significant automotive dealership transactions in Canadian history, with a career spanning $6B+ in deal values across sell-side, buy-side, and valuation mandates.
Charles J. Saleh
CFO and Partner
Chief Financial Officer at Dealer Direct Advisory specializing in financial analysis, deal structuring, and valuation. Charles brings institutional rigor to every mandate, ensuring clients are represented with the credibility and precision that sophisticated transactions demand.
Ross Fattori
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with a strong background in automotive industry relationships and transaction advisory across Canada.
Frank Guzzo
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Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with a background in automotive industry operations and client advisory. Frank brings practical expertise and strong industry relationships to the firm's advisory practice.
Todd Mechalchuk
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with deep roots in the Canadian automotive industry and a strong track record in dealership transaction advisory.
Roy M. Meech
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with extensive experience in automotive retail and dealership transaction advisory across Canada.
Tony Pierri
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Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with deep expertise in transaction execution, OEM approval processes, and client relationship management. Tony is known for his professionalism, dedication, and ability to guide clients through complex transitions with precision and care.
Dimitri Pressman
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory bringing expertise in automotive industry relationships and transaction support. Dimitri contributes to the firm's advisory practice with a focus on client service and deal execution.
Zohar Romm
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with extensive experience in automotive retail transactions and dealer principal relationships across Canada.
Crystal Saulnier
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory bringing analytical rigour and a commitment to excellence to every mandate. Crystal supports the firm's advisory practice with research, analysis, and transaction execution.
Chris Smith
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with expertise in dealership transactions and automotive industry advisory across Canada.
Marcel Stirpe
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with extensive experience in automotive retail operations and dealership transactions. Marcel brings deep industry relationships and operational expertise to every mandate.
Cindy Trimper
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory, bringing organizational excellence and operational precision to every mandate. Cindy is a trusted member of the advisory team with deep client relationships across Canada.
Bing Wong
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Strategic Partner practicing in association with Dealer Direct Advisory, bringing expertise in financial analysis and cross-border transaction advisory. Bing contributes analytical depth and international market perspective to the firm's practice.