MISSISSAUGA, ON — The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) has announced the appointment of Andrew Gibbons as the new Chair of its Board of Directors.

The appointment was made by the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. Gibbons will officially assume the role on Feb. 25, 2026, succeeding Michael Levinson, whose term concludes after nearly five years of service.

“We’re pleased to welcome Andrew as our incoming Chair at an important time for TICO and for the travel industry,” said Richard Smart, TICO’s CEO. “As a former airline executive, Andrew brings deep experience in regulatory affairs, government relations, and industry leadership. His insight will be invaluable as TICO’s Board continues its work to strengthen travel consumer protection while fostering a strong and competitive travel marketplace in Ontario. I am also deeply grateful to Michael, our outgoing Chair, for his steady leadership, commitment, and many contributions to TICO’s mandate over the past five years.”

Gibbons brings more than a decade of senior aviation experience to the role. He was with WestJet from 2012 to 2025, most recently serving as Vice-President, Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs. He departed the airline in January 2025 to pursue other opportunities.

During his career, Gibbons also served as Board Chair of the National Airlines Council of Canada and held a Board position with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), contributing to policy development and regulatory modernization across the sector.

“I’m honoured to take on the role of Board Chair and look forward to supporting the team at TICO, while working closely with the entire Board to advance the organization’s consumer protection mandate,” said Andrew Gibbons. “I want to thank Minister Crawford for his confidence in this appointment, and I’m committed to making a positive contribution to Ontario’s travel marketplace.”

Lead image caption: Andrew Gibbons