Destination BC appoints Richard Porges as permanent President and CEO

Destination BC’s Board of Directors has appointed Richard Porges as President and CEO, effective immediately, after an extensive global search.

Richard previously served as the corporation’s Acting President and CEO, and Vice President of Corporate Development, prior to that. Richard joined the corporation’s research department in 1999 and moved to progressively more senior roles within the BC Provincial Government, and with Destination BC. As Vice President of Corporate Development, Richard provided strategic leadership for Destination BC’s corporate communications, research and analytics, human resources, and corporate services departments. Before joining Destination BC, Richard taught in the Economics, MBA and MPA programs at the University of Victoria, and was a consultant for several government and non-profit organizations.

The Board sought a candidate who had the leadership, government and tourism-sector relationships, and strategic skills to undertake this role, drive the organisation’s goals and support BC’s tourism industry through some of the biggest challenges the sector has ever faced. Hundreds of potential candidates, from all corners of the globe, were reviewed.

The Board is confident in Richard, the Executive team, and Destination BC’s dedicated staff in continuing to deliver programs and services to support industry through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. The team will continue to work closely with Minister Mark, Ministry staff and industry partners across the province to respond to the needs of BC’s vital tourism sector.

Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

“Richard has provided unwavering leadership as interim CEO throughout the many challenges the sector has endured during the COVID-19 pandemic. His expertise and collaborative approach within the tourism industry will be essential as we work together to strengthen British Columbia’s thriving tourism sector.”

Scott Fraser, Board Chair, Destination BC

“As the new Chair of Destination BC, I am both honoured and excited to have the opportunity to work alongside Richard in this most critical time for the tourism sector. With Richard’s history, expertise, and proven track record, he is the right person at the right time to take on the permanent role as CEO. I know that I speak for the entire Board of Directors in welcoming and congratulating Richard, and we all look forward to tackling the significant challenges that lie ahead with full confidence in his leadership.”

Richard Porges, President and CEO, Destination BC

“We have a highly skilled and experienced team at Destination BC, and I am excited for the opportunity to continue to work with them and collaborate with our industry and government partners to support BC’s valuable tourism sector. We will take the opportunities that lie ahead of us and build back stronger than ever. Working together, we will, once again, deliver sustainable social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits for all British Columbians, safely and responsibly.”

Background:

Destination BC’s Board of Directors hired an executive search firm to undertake an extensive recruitment process, to fill the position of President and CEO permanently. As per the Destination BC Corp. Act, the Board is responsible for appointing the CEO, determining remuneration, and the terms and conditions of employment. The CEO is responsible for the general leadership and direction of the corporation and its staff, and must exercise powers and perform duties specified by the Board.