Geoffrey A. Wilson appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Toronto
Port Authority

TORONTO , Dec. 11 /CNW/ - The Board of Directors of the Toronto Port Authority ("TPA") is pleased to announce that Geoffrey A. Wilson has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

"We are very pleased to welcome Geoff to the helm of the TPA at this pivotal time, considering the great success of the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, our new era of cooperation with the City of Toronto , and TPA's important partnership in the ongoing redevelopment of the waterfront," said Mark McQueen, Chairman of the Board of the TPA. "After a comprehensive public search process, the Board has selected a highly talented transportation and infrastructure executive with relevant international experience to lead us through our next phase of successful growth".

Mr. Wilson joins the TPA with over 20 years experience in intermodal transportation, shipping, and aviation. He has held senior executive and leadership roles throughout North America , Europe , the Middle East , Africa , and Asia Pacific, with companies such as Triton Container International Inc, Budget Car and Truck Rental, and Kerr Steamship Agency Inc. His professional achievements include strategic infrastructure and asset investment, international market development and expansion, strategic alliances and partnerships, and establishing core products and services as global market leaders. Most recently, Mr. Wilson served as Chief Operating Officer of Cartel Communications Systems Inc., Canada's leading wireless equipment distributor and integrator.

"The TPA has a vital role to play in securing Toronto's future prosperity through delivering a variety of Tier-One transportation services to our multi-stakeholder client base. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this journey," Mr. Wilson said. "On top of our core businesses, the TPA also has a leadership role to play in protecting Toronto's attractive harbour and waterfront assets, and enhancing the quality of life for both residents and businesses. The TPA acts as an important partner adding economic vitality along Toronto's waterfront and across the GTA. I very much look forward to furthering the development and success of the TPA in this regard."

"The Board wishes to thank the TPA's current Chief Financial Officer, Alan J. Paul, who has done an exemplary job as Acting President and CEO since being appointed to that post in September, 2008," Mr. McQueen added. "The TPA reported its first annual positive net income in 2008, and is on track to exceed that profit in 2009. These, and many other achievements, are in no small part due to Mr. Paul 's capable stewardship during this period."

A photograph of Mr. Wilson is attached.

The Toronto Port Authority is a federal public authority providing transportation, distribution, storage and container services to businesses and people. The TPA owns and operates the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Marine Terminals 51 and 52, and the Outer Harbour Marina. The TPA also provides regulatory controls and public works services to enhance the safety and efficiency of marine navigation and aviation in the port and harbour of Toronto . The TPA was incorporated on June 8, 1999 , as a government business enterprise under the Canada Marine Act as the successor to the Toronto Harbour Commission.

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information: on the Toronto Port Authority, please contact: www.torontoport.com