ARRIVED: Craig Richmond Named President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority

B.C.-born candidate returns to YVR with international airport experience - and a passion for planes

RICHMOND, BC, June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Vancouver Airport Authority Board of Directors Chair Mary Jordan today announced the appointment of Craig Richmond to the role of President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. Under Richmond's leadership, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) will continue to grow as a global gateway, community contributor and North America's best airport.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130618/MM34501)

A dedicated team of Airport Authority Directors undertook a global recruitment effort to find the ideal candidate to fill the role of President & CEO. As a community-based organization, the Airport Authority consulted extensively with local stakeholders to build a vision for its next leader. Among the most important requirements for a new CEO was extensive aviation industry expertise, a working understanding of the business of airports and a strategic vision for writing the next chapter of YVR's story.

"Like YVR itself, our new President & CEO is a homegrown success story," said Mary Jordan, Chair, Airport Authority Board of Directors. "A unique mix of work experience, skills, education and values amassed over a lifetime in aviation - including a decade's worth of experience as a Canadian military fighter pilot - make Craig a great fit for a great job."

A senior airport executive, Richmond brings a wealth of international airport experience back to YVR from positions with Vantage Airport Group as CEO of six different airports in three different countries, each with its own political, financial and cultural considerations. Prior to his international postings, Richmond served as Vice President, Operations at YVR, during which time he led the operational response to the events of 9/11 and SARS and introduced new airfield safety technologies. From building route capacity and increasing passenger traffic to delivering multi-million dollar capital improvement programs and leading integrated aviation crisis response, every aspect of Richmond's career has added depth and breadth to the leadership skills that will serve YVR's future development well.

"Not many people can say that the job they wished for as a child is the job they will actually one day have as an adult. To be back in Vancouver at what I believe is the best airport in the world is a dream come true," said Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "I look forward to working with the exceptional team of Airport Authority employees. Together with the 23,000 people who work at the airport we will continue to create an airport that shows our pride in B.C., that British Columbians can be proud of and that every passenger can enjoy."

With a focus on innovation, sustainability and teamwork toward developing YVR 's potential as a key global gateway, Richmond will continue to shape and enhance YVR's reputation as North America's top airport.

Richmond is Vancouver Airport Authority's third President & CEO since management of YVR transferred from the federal government to a local, community-based authority in 1992. He assumes responsibility from Larry Berg, during whose 15-year leadership of the Airport Authority YVR earned its international reputation for airport excellence. Richmond's first day on the job will be July 2, 2013.

About Vancouver Airport Authority
Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served 17.6 million passengers in 2012, facilitated 261,000 takeoffs and landings and handled 227,000 tonnes of cargo. Sixty-eight airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 120 destinations worldwide. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2012, donated more than $650,000 to community organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor.

Formerly Vancouver Airport Services (YVRAS), Vantage Airport Group was created by Vancouver Airport Authority to export YVR's award-winning management excellence and operational expertise to airports around the world. Vantage Airport Group is a for-profit Canadian company that manages 11 airports on three continents. Vancouver Airport Authority remains a 50 percent shareholder in the enterprise.

Media materials also available:

• Video: The Journey of our New CEO
• Backgrounder on Craig Richmond

SOURCE Vancouver Airport Authority