OTTAWA, ON - November 4, 2014 - The Tourism Industry Association of Canada's (TIAC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Taylor, Vice-President, Industry and Public Affairs, as its Interim President and CEO effective November 28, 2014. The nomination follows the appointment of David Goldstein as President and CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission.

"We are very fortunate to have someone with Rob's advocacy and leadership experience on the TIAC team to step in and ensure a smooth transition period," stated Michael Crockatt, Chair of TIAC's Board of Directors. "Rob's strategic expertise and established industry relationships will provide a steady hand while the Board moves forward with the search process."  

Prior to joining TIAC in April 2013, Rob's career includes over two decades of experience in communications, media, public policy and association management including leadership roles as Chief of Staff to Hon. Diane Ablonczy, the former Minister of State, Small Business and Tourism where he was a key contributor to the original framework for the Federal Tourism Strategy.

Mr. Taylor has also served as Executive Director to the national organization FAME (Festivals and Major Events) Canada; Director of Communications to the Hon. Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment and the Minister Responsible for Parks Canada; and as a lobbyist with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

The appointment of a new President and CEO is a priority for the TIAC Board of Directors and as such a search committee of the Board has been struck and the Ottawa office of Boyden Global Executive Search has been retained to expedite the process. For more information on the search process please contact Eric Lathrop at Boyden elathrop@boyden.com or 613-749-9909.

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For more information, please contact:

Rob Taylor
Vice-President, Public and Industry Affairs
Tourism Industry Association of Canada
rtaylor@tiac.travel 
t: 613-238-6251
c: 613-716-5442