In a manner only YVR can pull off, it shrouded in mystery the identity of its new president and CEO.
Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA) searched the world for its new leader following the retirement last year of long-serving Larry Berg and perhaps the jet plane themed cookies at the reception were a clue.
In the end, the answer was right under their noses, in the shape of Kamloops-born former fighter pilot Craig Richmond.
A former vice-president of operations at the airport, Richmond is also a former president and CEO of Nassau International Airport in the Bahamas.
He was unveiled Tuesday morning by VAA board of directors chair Mary Jordan at a press conference at the airport.
"Like YVR itself, our new president and CEO is a homegrown success story, said Jordan.
A unique mix of work experience, skills, education and values amassed over a lifetime in aviation including a decade's worth of experience as a Canadian military fighter pilot make Craig a great fit for a great job.
A senior airport executive, Richmond has international airport experience from positions with the Vantage Airport Group as CEO of six different airports in three different countries.
Prior to his international postings, Richmond served as VP of operations at YVR.
Not many people can say that the job they wished for as a child is the job they will actually one day have as an adult, said a smiling Richmond, who actually got his pilots license before his drivers one and filled up light aircraft with gas a boy growing up in Kamloops.
To be back in Vancouver at what I believe is the best airport in the world is a dream come true.
Richmond is VAAs third president and CEO since management of YVR transferred from the federal government to a local, community-based authority in 1992.
He told the audience that YVR is viewed with awe and envy around the world, but it cant let that reputation go to its head and shouldnt believe were always the best.
We should act like the underdog and continue to drive change.
