Following a national recruitment conducted by PFM Executive Search, the Board of Tourism Vancouver Island (TVI) has selected Anthony Everett as its new CEO, succeeding Dave Petryk, who has retired after 17 years of leading the regional tourism association.
Anthony is a passionate and long-term tourism advocate and professional, and has been involved in the tourism sector in British Columbia for the majority of his working career, starting in Victoria at Butchart Gardens in Visitor Services and then establishing Butchart Gardens’ Media Relations department. In 1999, he was recruited to Tourism Victoria to manage the Media Relations Department until 2003 when he joined the team at Tartan Public Relations as an Account Director. In 2006, Anthony moved away from Vancouver Island to lead the Northern British Columbia Tourism Association through 2015. In addition he was Chair the Board of Directors for the 2015 Prince George Canada Winter Games Host Society.
“After a robust executive search which produced great candidates, we’re excited to have Anthony join our organization,” said Ian MacPhee, Chair of Tourism Vancouver Island. “With his collaborative relationship building, visionary leadership style, and experience in building innovative strategies, we anticipate a very smooth transition following Dave’s retirement.”
Anthony has earned significant achievements through his career and is the recipient of the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA) Prestige Award 2016, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the 2015 Prince George Citizen of the Year.
“I am humbled and excited to join the fabulous team at Tourism Vancouver Island and build on my friend, Dave’s legacy,” said Everett. “I am thrilled to return to Vancouver Island where I began my career and collaborate with communities, businesses, and residents to bring world-wide recognition to our unique travel destination.”
Vancouver Island continues to be recognized as a premier vacation destination. In 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014, Travel + Leisure magazine readers voted Vancouver Island as Number 1 Island in Canada, and has been among the top three islands since 2001. In 2016, Conde Nast Traveler magazine readers voted Vancouver Island as #6 Island in the World up from #7 in 2015. From 2000-2008, Vancouver Island was rated as the Best Island in North America by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. From 2011 to 2013 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice awarded Vancouver Island as #1 Island in Canada, and continues to be ranked among the top three. This prestigious travel magazine has been conducting a Readers’ Choice award program since 1988.
PFM Executive Search was delighted to work with one of Canada’s most recognized regional tourism organization that is innovative in its approach to tourism and hospitality. Our firm has worked extensively in the tourism and destination marketing sector over the 25-year history of the firm. PFM Executive Search is known for its ability to work effectively with Boards and Selection Committees in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors and for its skill in recruiting talented senior leaders to executive positions.