Tamara Vrooman has been appointed president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Vancouver Airport Authority, effective July 1, 2020. Vrooman succeeds Craig Richmond who announced in November 2019 that he will be retiring at the end of June after seven years leading the organization that operates Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Vrooman, who is the first woman to lead the airport authority, had been on the authority’s board of directors since 2011.

“Tamara is a visionary executive with an exemplary track record leading large, complex institutions in both the private and public sectors, including through periods of enormous challenge, innovation and growth,” said Annalisa King, chair of the board of directors. “By applying deep strategic, operational and financial abilities, matched by bold positions on sustainability and inclusion, she has led transformative change resulting in global recognition and commercial success, all while doing good. This, combined with her comprehensive understanding of YVR gained by her nine-year tenure on its board of directors, will enable her to reimagine YVR as a benchmark airport of the future.

Vrooman joins YVR following 13 years as president and CEO of Vancity, Canada’s largest community credit union. She assumed leadership of Vancity at the beginning of the global financial crisis and transformed the business and service model, delivering record profitability and doubling its assets.

During her tenure, Vancity has become a global reference point, and Vrooman has been a leading voice in the Canadian and international financial sectors, demonstrating a successful new vision for values-based banking.

“I am honoured to lead the talented team that has made YVR the best airport in North America for 10 years running,” said Vrooman. “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. I know from experience that crises provide an opportunity for innovation, creativity and renewal. 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.”