On behalf of Vancouver Airport Authority / L'Administration de l’aéroport de Vancouver’s Board of Directors, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize our very own Craig Richmond, who retired from his position as President & CEO today, June 30.
Craig demonstrated exceptional leadership over the last seven years. Shortly after rejoining YVR in 2013, he made his mark, with how the airport was going to do things, and courageously lead the Airport Authority team through a period of rapid growth that saw passenger traffic increase by 46 per cent. Under his leadership, YVR saw so many new things—expanding our destinations all over the world, working with Air Canada to become their transpacific hub, embarking on some ambitious expansion projects and championing innovation, such as our award-winning BorderXpress kiosks. And of course, winning the Skytrax award for Best Airport in North America for a record 11 years!
Much of the how was that Craig always made sure to focus on people. He believes that everyone who wants to fly should be able to fly and championed YVR’s push for greater accessibility, recognized in our gold certification status from the Rick Hansen Foundation. He was a huge advocate for diversity and inclusion, having worked closely with our team to ensure our workforce strives to reflect the communities we serve. And he took sustainability seriously, pushing our team to make sure we benefit the region by being a good neighbor, a community contributor, a thriving business and an environmental steward.
He also saw the power in being a community-based, not-for-profit. Our sense of profit for purpose thrived and grew under his leadership, fostering tremendous progress. But Perhaps the pinnacle illustration of this was when Craig and his team worked closely with Musqueam to create the historic Musqueam Indian Band – YVR Airport Sustainability & Friendship Agreement, a monumental effort that Craig has always said is one of his proudest achievements, and I certainly agree.
There are many more highlights that demonstrate Craig’s excellence, but, above all, the most powerful example is the simple fact that he is genuine. He could keep the hard pace that his position demanded, all while enjoying a laugh at his own expense and engaging with his team on a daily basis. It definitely made YVR a fun and amazing place! I have said, on several occasions recently, as we celebrate Craig that his heart will live on at YVR forever, and though we will miss him we will always celebrate his memory.
Craig, there’s so much for you to be proud of. You have led the YVR team through bright and challenging times and we are a better airport for it.
Thank you so much and enjoy your retirement.
Annalisa King
Chair, Board of Directors
Vancouver Airport Authority / L'Administration de l’aéroport de Vancouver
