Winnipeg Airports Authority Welcomes New President and CEO

Nick Hays has officially started his role as Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) president and CEO.

“On behalf of the board of directors, it’s my pleasure to welcome Nick to Winnipeg and the WAA team,” said Brita Chell, chair of the board of directors. “Nick is a values-driven leader with extensive experience in the aviation industry that will be essential in helping lead WAA’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Hays was appointed to the position earlier this year. He comes to WAA from Vanderlande Industries, where he served as vice president, Canada for the Toyota-owned global leader in airport logistic process automation. Hays previously spent 11 years working around the world for Cathay Pacific Airways and its parent company, The Swire Group, before moving to a senior advisory role with PricewaterhouseCoopers.

“I’m excited to be joining this amazing organization and this great community,” said Hays. “This is a critical time for our industry with many challenges ahead, but I know that together with our partners, the dedicated team at WAA can unlock the potential of the airport and drive this region’s economic and social recovery.”

Hays is the third president and CEO in WAA’s 25-year history.