CRFA welcomes James Rilett as new Vice President, Ontario

TORONTO, Aug. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) is pleased to announce the appointment of James Rilett as Vice President, Ontario, effective Aug. 13. Rilett will represent Ontario's restaurant industry to provincial and municipal governments on issues ranging from youth employment to food safety.

Ontario's restaurant industry generates $25 billion a year in economic activity and is one of the province's largest employers with 425,000 direct jobs, ranging from first-time jobs for students to executive careers.

Rilett has held senior positions at the Government of Ontario as Chief of Staff to several Ministers. He also managed stakeholder relations in the Office of the Premier where he was responsible for many restaurant industry-related files. More recently, Rilett was Vice President at Pathway Group, a Toronto-based government relations consulting firm.

"I am very pleased that James will be leading CRFA in Canada's largest province," says Joyce Reynolds, CRFA's Executive Vice President Government Affairs. "His extensive experience in government affairs and strong understanding of our industry's needs bring a fresh perspective to the table. I am confident he will be an incredible advocate for our members."

"I am excited to join CRFA and work with members to help them grow and prosper in Ontario," says Rilett. "The restaurant industry is critical to Ontario's economic and social strategy, and I look forward to helping steer this important industry forward."

Rilett assumes the role of VP Ontario from Stephanie Jones, who resigned from her position after a 14-year career with CRFA, to relocate with her family to the West Coast.

CRFA is one of Canada's largest business associations, with more than 30,000 members representing restaurants, bars, caterers, institutions and other foodservice providers. Ontario's restaurant industry generates $25 billion annually in economic activity and is the fourth-largest private-sector employer with more than 425,000 direct jobs.

SOURCE: Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association

Prasanthi Vasanthakumar, [phone] or [email protected].