Management Team

Brian Shuster / Founder and CEO

 

One of the pioneers of the internet, Mr. Shuster is the inventor of dozens of issued and pending internet technology patents. He created one of the first and most successful free web hosting companies in history, Webjump.com, which he sold to TheGlobe.com in 1999.
After creating several other highly successful internet ventures, Mr. Shuster founded Utherverse, Inc. in 2003 to develop a network of interconnected virtual worlds using a common platform. By 2006 the company was expanded to Canada where Shuster continued to innovate in the virtual world space, culminating in the release of the “Virtual World Web” in the fall of 2009. The VWW hosts more than 80,000 commercial virtual worlds and more than one million private virtual worlds. Shuster’s pioneering spirit continues as he continues to develop new use cases for the technology.

 

Zak Zarry / President

 

After graduating from Brandon University in 2005 with a four year degree in Political Science, Zak became one of the founding members of the Utherverse staff as VP of Operations.
With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Zak is an acknowledged expert in large scale internet marketing, traffic brokering and email campaigns. He has successfully developed business in Russia, France, Italy, Germany, Taiwan, Japan and Brazil. Zak’s head for business led him to the role of President, which he has worked as since April of 2009. Zak’s experience and dedication to the company has helped model Utherverse into what it is today.

 

Aaron Burch / CTO

 

Aaron discovered his passion for computer technology at a young age and has translated that passion into an invaluable resource for Utherverse. Aaron began with the Company in 2006 and brought with him over 10 years of experience in the online industry. His previous work included design and implementation of a high-traffic add routing system, high volume email delivery system, online ordering and subscription systems, full-scale network implementation, from the hardware up through the application layer, complex database designs and a multitude of experimental software projects. An expert in a wide variety of server systems and software, Mr. Burch is a specialist in the conceptualization, architecture and delivery of large scale network and content delivery systems and has given the company a leading edge in technology advancement.

 

Ian Tosch / Chief Operations Officer

 

Ian Tosch has over 5 years of management experience in the service and hospitality industry and during that time, developed strong interpersonal skills and leadership qualities which have transitioned well into the position of Chief Operations Officer. Ian’s role with Utherverse began in 2006 as one of the founding members of staff and the position of Project Manager. Ian’s role developed quickly within the company and with his training from previous years in policy, procedure and security management, the role of VP of World Operations initiated under his direction. Ian’s development and streamlining of this role made it possible for him to transition it to an employee within the department and allowed him to take on the role of Chief Operations Officer, managing staff, the office environment, and organizational matters.

 

Anna Lee / VP of Business Development

 

Anna skillfully applies over 15 years of experience in business development, helping to extend the reach of Utherverse’s tools to businesses worldwide. Her dedicated support has helped build strong business relationships with customers locally and internationally while leveraging current client relationships to engage interest in further revenue building opportunities. Anna has been with Utherverse since 2007 and has been and will continue to be integral to the growth and development of the Company.

 

Jason White /Director of Research and Development

 

Director of Research and Development, Jason White is Utherverse's resident MacGyver. Jason has owned and operated several businesses, including a Computer store for over 3 years in Brandon, Manitoba.

Mr. White was one of the original members of the Utherverse team, and was initially hired to oversee Marketing and Events, moved onto heading the Tech Support department, and has also performed duties as our Network Administrator, Internal IT, Purchasing Administrator, and a dozen other roles. Jason now heads our R&D department, tasked with investigating, testing, and finding cutting edge technologies, and ways to make new, exciting projects possible.