Rick Antonson

After 20 years with Tourism Vancouver, Rick Antonson is planning to step down from his position as president and CEO of the organization in June 2014.

“We began planning this over two years ago at Rick’s request, so the transition is strategic. Tourism Vancouver and our industry are heading into some of the most exciting and successful years, so the timing for this transition is very good,” said Tourism Vancouver Board Chair Bob Lindsay.

Under Antonson’s tenure, Tourism Vancouver bid for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, for which he served as a Games ambassador. The organization also initiated the Vancouver Convention Centre expansion task force under Antonson’s watch, which led to the new convention center that is partially funded by Tourism Vancouver’s $90 million investment.