CME Awards Program

Pioneer

Jan den Oudsten

Jan den Oudsten’s business acumen and technical innovations significantly changed the international transit industry and put Manitoba on the map as an innovative leader. Jan began his career when he joined the family business, Den Oudsten Bussen B.V. after receiving his mechanical engineering degree at HTS Rotterdam.

In 1986, Jan bought a floundering bus company in Winnipeg, Flyer Industries, which he renamed New Flyer Industries. As head of New Flyer, he recognized the need for improved accessibility for urban transit buses. He developed a new, low floor urban bus, a design which redefined European bus technology. Jan believes that management should lead by example. He was a “hands on” leader who was interested in his employees. He knew every employee by name and was greatly respected by those with whom he worked.