TEAM TIAC: Moving from strength to strength

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has announced the appointment of Rob Taylor as its vice-president, Public & Industry Affairs, effective April 29. Taylor was a former chief of staff to Diane Ablonczy, former Minister of State, Small Business and Tourism. Taylor’s appointment bridges a gap in the TIAC team, allowing the organization to move from strength to strength as Kevin Desjardins is leaving TIAC at the end of the week to embark on a new chapter in his outstanding career. Taylor’s primary focus will be on TIAC’s external relations and stakeholder engagement functions, allowing president and CEO David Goldstein to increase his focus on “inside Ottawa”direct advocacy. Amongst his other achievements, Taylor was a key contributor to the original framework for the Federal Tourism Strategy in 2009 and has been immersed in tourism issues from both sides of the table. He brings to the table over two decades of experience in communications, media, public policy and association management. Most recently, Taylor served as director of communications to Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment and the Minister responsible for Parks Canada.