The Vancouver Airport Authority announced their newly appointed president and CEO who will take over the role starting July.
After Craig Richmond, YVR's current president, revealed last November that he would be retiring at the end of June, the board of directors oversaw a search for a new leader at the Vancouver Airport Authority – the organization that operates the airport.
Tamara Vrooman, with 13 years of leadership at Vancity – Canada’s largest community credit union – was selected to succeed Richmond and will be stepping up as YVR’s first and new female president starting July 1.
“I look forward to working with them as we reimagine our business and how we operate in this challenging new environment as the world adapts following the COVID-19 crisis,” said Vrooman, adding that “crisis provide an opportunity for innovation, creativity and renewal” and is honoured to be leading the team at YVR.
“I am eager to get to work as we chart a path forward that supports safe and efficient passenger and cargo travel, while recognizing YVR’s important role in the Lower Mainland, B.C. and the global markets we serve.”
Vrooman has served on the airport authority’s board of directors for nine years and was also the Deputy Minister of Finance for the Province of British Columbia for three years prior to joining Vancity, according to a media statement.
She has also advocated for sustainable finance and investing, climate change measurement and reporting and diversity and inclusion globally.
Annalisa King, chair of the board of directors, called Vrooman a “visionary executive” with an excellent track record.
“By applying deep strategic, operational and financial abilities, matched by bold positions on sustainability and inclusion, (Vrooman) has led transformative change resulting in global recognition and commercial success, all while doing good,” said King.
“This combined with her comprehensive understanding of YVR gained by her nine-year tenure on its board of directors, will enable her to imagine YVR as a benchmark airport of the future.”
