Vancouver Airport Authority announced today two executive movements. Mike McNaney will join its executive team as Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer, and Gerry Bruno, Executive Advisor to the CEO, will be retiring.
A seasoned aviation and airline executive, Mr. McNaney will oversee a newly formed portfolio at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The portfolio will bring together government relations, stakeholder and customer relations, and corporate communications. Mr. McNaney will lead the delivery of strategic and seamless engagement with YVR’s many stakeholders and partners to drive the airport forward in service of our community and the economy that supports it.
“Mike is a strong and effective business leader. His experience, proven track record and industry relationships will be invaluable to our organization and team as we continue to implement our strategy, leveraging the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we move through the pandemic,” said Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO at Vancouver Airport Authority. “Mike’s calm demeanor and empathic approach to people and talent will make him a great fit for our leadership team. We look forward to welcoming Mike in the new year.”
Mr. McNaney will be stepping down this month from his current role as President & CEO of the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC), the industry association representing Canada’s largest air carriers.
Prior to joining NACC, he held several executive roles during a 13-year career with WestJet. His background also includes 10 years in public relations and advocacy. Mr. McNaney has and continues to serve on a number of influential boards, including the Future Borders Coalition.
Mr. McNaney will take up the position of Vice President & Chief External Affairs Officer at YVR on January 10, 2022.
Mr. Bruno, during an impressive 47-year career, has made significant contributions to Canada’s aviation industry and to the success of YVR. He has spearheaded a number of transformational initiatives, including federal and provincial advocacy, airport master planning and border coalition efforts to ensure ease of travel between the Canada-U.S. border and beyond.
“Gerry has fundamentally influenced the aviation sector and in particular our airport over his distinguished career. To say that Gerry is a legend in our industry is not an exaggeration. There is literally no aspect of our business that he hasn’t touched,” said Vrooman. “YVR is so fortunate to have had an expert of Gerry’s calibre work with us over the past several years. I am personally grateful to him for his invaluable counsel to me over the last 18 months. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Mr. Bruno has decided to retire effective March 31, 2022. Beginning in January, he will focus on transitioning his accountabilities while also organizing the Transportation Border Summit in Washington, D.C.