Gino Akbari is the Director of Business Relations with Derks Fine Group of Companies. Previously, he worked as a consultant for various organizations including the Department of National Defense. Gino provided his expertise in cultural awareness and negotiation skills to troops before deployment to countries in conflict. In his spare time, Gino lead and managed an international award-winning dance team. He also performed in community theatre plays and on local video shoots. 


Born to a Persian mother and a Pakistani Father, Gino grew up living in several countries in the middle east and south Asia. In 1997, he travelled to Canada to begin his post-secondary education in Classical Theatre and International Politics at Dalhousie University in Halifax. Gino credits his parents for instilling in him the importance of hard work and commitment to the community. He understands the challenges facing new Canadians and firsthand experience of the benefits of welcoming newcomers to our city.  

In 2005, he moved to Edmonton with his wife Michelle. Gino is married to Dr. Michelle Inness, Assistant Dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Alberta.  Together with their daughter, Olivia, they reside in Riverdale. The family enjoys running, cycling and raising their two cats, and Coffee! 


Gino loves his Coffee! You are very likely to run into him at one of the coffee houses downtown Edmonton, make sure to say hello.