Klassen named CTC’s interim president

The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) has announced the appointment of Greg Klassen, CTC senior vice-president, marketing strategy and communications, as its interim president and CEO.

The nomination follows the successful 10-year tenure of Michele McKenzie, who announced her departure in fall 2013.

“Greg’s deep knowledge of CTC’s business and his strong relationships with the Canadian and international tourism industry make him ideally placed to assume the interim leadership of the CTC,” says Steve Allan, chair of the CTC’s board of directors. “His strategic and operational expertise, as well as a strong leadership style, will be essential for a smooth transition period.”

The federal government, working alongside CTC’s board of directors, has begun the process of finding CTC’s next permanent president and CEO (the position is appointed by Governor in Council). Klassen’s interim appointment is effective for 90 days, according to the terms of the Canadian Tourism Commission Act.

Klassen has been with CTC since 2001 and in the role of vice-president and senior vice-president of marketing since 2005. Prior to CTC, he worked in marketing with Telus and AT&T and taught marketing at Algonquin College in Ottawa.