The Destination BC board is currently aggressively pursuing the recruitment of a permanent CEO. The board will be conducting this search both domestically and internationally in an effort to ensure the best available candidate is chosen.

For the time being, Destination BC's board of directors has appointed Dana Hayden as interim CEO of the new Crown corporation responsible for marketing B.C. tourism. Ms. Hayden will work with the board to establish its governance processes and oversee the transition of staff and operations to the new Crown corporation on April 1, 2013. Ms. Hayden will continue in the role until a permanent CEO is appointed by Destination BC's board of directors.

Ms. Hayden is currently interim president and CEO of PavCo. She will continue to serve in this role concurrently with her interim CEO responsibilities at Destination BC.

Ms. Hayden has held a number of executive roles in the B.C. government including deputy minister responsible for tourism, economic development and international trade. Ms. Hayden has also served as CEO of the Crown Agencies Secretariat and CEO of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.

Destination BC assumes tourism marketing operations on April 1.

Quotes:

Andrea Shaw, chair, Destination BC board of directors -

"Ensuring that B.C.'s tourism industry has exceptional marketing support and stability is our board's number one priority. It is for this reason we are undertaking a comprehensive process to find the right person for this important role. While we are undertaking our CEO search, we're grateful to have Dana Hayden's unparalleled expertise at the helm as we bring the industry-led, formula-funded Destination BC into being."

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799