Larry Berg Retiring as Vancouver Airport Authority's President and CEO

RICHMOND, BC, Oct. 31, 2012 /CNW/ - Mary Jordan, Chair of Vancouver Airport Authority today announced that Larry Berg will be retiring early next year after 15 years as President and CEO. Jordan said the Board will conduct an international search to fill the position, and Berg will remain until his successor is chosen.

"Larry has been a part of the Airport Authority and its successes since the very beginning," noted Jordan. "Larry joined in 1992 as Vice President, Human Resources, and became President and CEO in 1998. With his exceptional leadership both at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and in the community, Larry has been at the forefront of great accomplishments, such as the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Canada Line and, of course, in making YVR one of the best airports in the world".

"It's been a real pleasure to have been a part of this organization over the past 20 years," said Berg. "The entire team at YVR has always worked to put our community and province first, and I think that shows in the kind of airport we've become and the international recognition and accolades YVR has earned over the years. Becoming a community-controlled airport back in 1992 really set us on a unique and enviable course, particularly when it came to being an economic engine for our entire province.  Whether it's new terminals, runways, retail or the completion of the Canada Line, this airport and its people have built something every British Columbian can be proud of, and there's plenty more to come."

"I want to thank our board of directors for their confidence and vision, and I want to compliment the men and women of YVR who make this place work each and every day.   To lead that kind of team at least once in your career is every CEO's dream."

Mr. Berg is on the Board of Directors of Vantage Airport Group, a subsidiary of the Airport Authority, which provides airport management expertise around the world and is currently involved at 12 airports in 5 countries.

Berg, a graduate of the University of Alberta and University of Oregon, has served as Chair of the Business Council of British Columbia, the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council, the Canadian Airports Council and Airport Council International- Asia-Pacific. He has held directorships on the Canada Line Rapid Transit Inc., the Vancouver Symphony and VGH-UBC Hospital Foundation. Berg received an Honourary Doctorate in Technology from the British Columbia Institute of Technology in 2003.

Jordan said she expects the search for a new president and CEO to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2013. "For YVR to succeed in a highly competitive international market, we must continue our tradition of excellence and innovation through strong leadership. As the board proceeds with the selection process, I am pleased Larry will stay at the helm and ensure a smooth transition".

About Vancouver Airport Authority
Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that operates Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served 17 million passengers in 2011 and handled more than 258,000 aircraft landings and take-offs on its runways. Sixty-three airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 100 destinations in Canada, the U.S. and around the world. The Airport Authority is committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor.

For further information:
YVR Media Relations
604.880.9815  [email protected]
www.yvr.ca Twitter: @yvrairport

SOURCE: Vancouver Airport Authority