Pressure is a Privilege for the First Female President of a Championship Ring Company
From the black-and-white newsprint catalogues that
once showcased high school class rings across the province to designing world-class jewellery for icons like Kobe Bryant and Sabrina Ionescu, Baron® Championship Rings has come a long way. At the heart of this transformation is Drina Baron-Zinyk, the first female president of a championship ring company, who—alongside her brother and CEO, Peter Kanis—has built upon the vision their father started over 40 years ago. Today, Baron® stands as a globally recognized brand, creating rings that celebrate not just championships but the journeys, moments, and legacies of the athletes and teams they serve.
We sat down with Drina to explore the evolution of Baron®, the values that drive her leadership, and how she’s forging new paths in an industry built on honouring greatness.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition
The origins of Baron® Championship Rings are deeply rooted in hard work, vision, and an unwavering commitment to honouring achievement. What started as a small, family-run business producing class rings for high school students across the province has grown into an industry leader designing rings for some of the biggest names and teams in sports.
“The foundation of our company was built by my father, who had a vision of crafting rings that told a story,” Drina recalls. “But we never could have imagined how far that vision would take us.”
Baron® has since become the choice of champions, from the historic 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers to the unforgettable 2019 Toronto Raptors NBA Championship Rings. The company has worked with elite athletes, including Rory McIlroy, Sue Bird, professional sports teams, and even National Olympic programs.
Yet, despite its global success, Baron® has remained true to its core values: Connection – Respect – Excellence.
“Our rings are more than jewellery,” Drina explains. “They symbolize perseverance, teamwork, and dedication. Every championship ring carries the weight of a journey—one filled with moments that define a legacy.”
The Power of People, Process, and Product
Baron®’s rise to prominence is not just about exceptional craftsmanship—it’s about the people who bring each ring to life.
Our People: The Foundation of Success
“The heart of our success is our team,” Drina says proudly. “We foster an environment where employees thrive, innovate, and feel empowered.”
The Baron® team consists of highly skilled designers, craftsmen, and business professionals, many of whom are former athletes themselves. This shared passion for sports ensures that every ring is designed with authenticity and precision.
“It’s like running a team,” she continues. “Everyone has their role, and when we work together, we create something truly special.”
Our Process: Honouring the Craft
Each Baron® championship ring undergoes a meticulous design and production process. From initial concept to the final product, no detail is overlooked.
“Our design process starts with understanding the story behind the team or athlete,” Drina explains. “We work closely with our clients to capture the essence of their championship journey, ensuring every symbol, engraving, and gemstone has meaning.”
With state-of-the-art 3D technology combined with traditional hand-finishing techniques, Baron® has mastered the balance of innovation and heritage.
Our Product: More Than an Accessory
A Baron® championship ring is not just an accessory, it is a piece of history.
“These rings represent sacrifice, dedication, and perseverance,” Drina states. “Every time an athlete looks at their ring, they should feel the weight of their time practicing, playing and the pride of their accomplishment.”
Carrying the Torch: A Family Legacy of Innovation
For Drina, stepping into the role of President was both an honour and a challenge. As the first female leader in an industry traditionally dominated by men, she acknowledges the responsibility that comes with it.
“The pressure of continuing the family business is a privilege,” she says. “I never take that for granted.”
Her journey was shaped by her father’s vision and her brother’s leadership. Peter Kanis, who served as previous President and current CEO, played a crucial role in Baron®’s expansion.
“Peter and I bring different strengths to the table,” Drina says. “He’s incredibly cre ative and forward-thinking, while I’m passionate about leadership, customer relationships, and the business side of things. Together, we make a great team.”
Breaking Barriers, Building Champions
As a female leader in the championship ring industry, Drina understands the significance of her position. She is a trailblazer, not just for women in business but for anyone striving to break barriers.
Leadership Philosophy: When People Excel, So Does the Brand
“At Baron®, we believe that when our people excel, so do our customers and partners,” Drina states. “Success is built on collaboration, trust, and innovation.”
Drina’s approach to leadership mirrors the values instilled in her by her parents – hard work, perseverance, and integrity. She maintains an open-door policy, encouraging her employees to share ideas and push boundaries.
“I love hearing different perspectives,” she says. “That’s how we continue to innovate and stay ahead in the industry.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Drina Baron-Zinyk’s connection to sports runs deeper than business—it’s woven into her personal life. As a wife and mother of two athletic daughters, she has witnessed firsthand the discipline, resilience, and ambition that fuel success both on and off the playing surface.
Her eldest, a dedicated basketball player, exemplifies qualities that will serve her well beyond the court. With aspirations in both the medical field and coaching, she hopes to give back to the next generation of athletes, inspiring them to push their limits and pursue their dreams.
Her youngest, equally passionate about sports, has set her sights on the business side of the industry. Connecting her creativity with sport, she recently designed an athlete-focused jewelry line for a school project—an idea so impressive that it caught the attention of Baron®’s own Marketing team. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a love for sport, she’s eager to carve her own path, and Drina is excited to see where it leads.
Through it all, Drina acknowledges the steadfast support of her husband—at home, at work, and on the road with their daughters. His presence, she says, has been an invaluable pillar in both her family and professional life.
This dedication to fostering excellence extends beyond her own family to Baron®’s LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND initiative, a program committed to making sports more accessible to young athletes across North America.
“No athlete should be denied the opportunity to celebrate their achievements,” Drina emphasizes. “That’s why we created this initiative—to ensure every champion, regardless of their financial situation, gets to participate in sport.”
Crafting the Future: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Baron® is at the forefront of championship ring design, utilizing cutting-edge technology to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
“My brother Peter is seeing an influx of AI-driven designs, which is fascinating,” Drina notes. “Technology is changing the way we approach craftsmanship, allowing us to bring even more intricate details to life.”
A Legacy Forged in Excellence
Looking ahead, Drina envisions Baron® continuing to grow while staying true to its values.
“Our goal is to keep telling incredible stories through our rings,” she says. “There’s power in each of our unique stories. Each piece we create is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of greatness. From the record-shattering Cleveland Cavaliers’ championship rings to the groundbreaking design of the first-ever Obsidian ring for the Los Angeles Football Club, our impact spans across numerous sports and leagues. We have strong relationships with the Hockey Hall of Fame, Basketball Hall of Fame, while our presence in the high school & collegiate markets continues to grow on both sides of the border. And I am beyond thrilled that our craftsmanship has even reached the world of dance—proudly creating rings for Dancing with the Stars’ Derek Hough and his wife that we hope leads to making a massive impact with the category”
Under the leadership of Drina Baron-Zinyk, the future shines bright like a diamond for this local company and we look forward to future collaborations and expanding on this story of her journey.
