Canadian Tourism Commission

Greg Klassen is leaving the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC).

After 13 years in senior management leadership roles — most recently as interim president and CEO – with the CTC, Klassen announced that he will be leaving as of Feb. 13, 2015.

CTC chairman, Steve Allan observed, “Since its move to Vancouver nine years ago, Greg has played a leading role in helping the CTC win countless marketing awards making Canada one of the world’s leading tourism brands and in solidifying Canada’s reputation as the most recommended destination in the world to visit.”

Allan continued, “As we approach year-end, we see strong evidence of an exceptional year for the organization and our industry. Greg has been central to all this success. We are saddened to see him go but he is leaving on a high note indeed.”

Said Klassen, “As I reflect on my time at CTC, we’ve built a team that developed Canada’s tourism brand, leveraged the 2010 Olympic Games, rolled out an award-winning domestic travel campaign in Locals Know and won Marketer of the Year for our social-media innovation. These will remain my proudest accomplishments. It’s been a privilege to serve with such a team of professionals. What an amazing journey it’s been.”

Klassen resumes his position of senior vice-president, marketing strategy and communications on Dec. 1 and will be supporting the incoming president and CEO, David Goldstein, throughout the transition. Jon Mamela, currently CMO and Rupert Peters, VP International, will remain in their interim roles until further notice.

The search for a senior vice-president, marketing will begin immediately.