Vancouver: The Board of the Vancouver Port Authority (VPA) is pleased to announce their choice of new President and CEO. Captain Gordon Houston was selected from a broad field of national and international candidates. Houston, who has held progressively senior responsibilities within the Port, assumes his new responsibilities effective today.



On behalf of our Board and VPA staff, I would like to be the first to congratulate Captain Houston on his appointment to this important position. His years of outstanding marine experience and his in-depth knowledge of this port and its related businesses made him the unanimous choice of both the selection committee and the Board. We welcome the renewed vision, expertise and enthusiasm Gordon will bring to the job, said David Stowe, VPA Board Chairman. We look forward to his ability to build consensus and strong relationships within the transportation sector and our neighbouring communities, added Stowe.



A native of Scotland, Houston holds a Master Mariner Certificate from Edinburgh University and a Diploma in Nautical Sciences from Liverpool University. Houston came to Port Vancouver from the Prince Rupert Port Corporation (BC) where he served as Harbour Master. He began his career with the Vancouver Port Authority (then the Vancouver Port Corporation) in 1991, first as Deputy Harbour Master, then Harbour Master and finally Vice-President of Operations in 1996. Houston is currently a Director of the Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia, chairman of the Western Marine Community, chair of the Industry Awareness Committee of the Pacific Marine Training Campus and Senior Partner for the Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program Management Team.




I take this opportunity also to thank our outgoing President, Captain Norman Stark, for the effective succession planning he has undertaken over the years. Through his mentoring and support, all internal candidates were particularly well-qualified, reflecting real strength in our executive team, commented Stowe.



Our Port will face many changes in the years ahead. We are confident that Captain Houston is more than ready to meet the challenge with the able support of the VPA team and port community, added Stowe.



Vancouver is Canadas largest and most diversified port, trading more than $30 billion in goods with more than 90 nations. This Port generates 10,700 direct employment opportunities and $540 million in taxes.



-30-

For more information, please contact:

Anne McMullin,
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Vancouver Port Authority
(604) 665-9069 (office)
(604) 665-9073 (fax)
(604) 218-1403 (cellular)
anne.mcmullin@portvancouver.com

For more information:
For more information on any of these stories, call 1-888 PORTVAN.
Or, send an email to:
public_affairs@portvancouver.com