October 31, 2024 – CentrePort Canada Inc. (“CentrePort”) has appointed Shreeraj Patel, Vice President, Commercial Financial Services with Royal Bank of Canada, as Chair of the corporation’s private sector-led board of directors. Patel joined the CentrePort Board of Directors in 2022 as the nominee of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, and previously held the roles of Vice Chair and Chair for the Finance & Audit committee.
The change in leadership comes following Peggy May’s decision to step down as Board Chair due to health reasons. May, nominated in 2022 by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, has served as Chair since June 2024. She will remain on the board of directors after taking a leave of absence.
“We thank Peggy for inspiring and guiding the board and staff during her time as chair,” said Carly Edmundson, President and CEO, CentrePort Canada Inc. “Over the course of her tenure, Peggy provided the organization with invaluable strategic direction, championing opportunities for new economic growth at CentrePort Canada.”
“Peggy’s leadership at CentrePort has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Patel. “She has set a high standard with her vision, dedication and the personal care she’s put into charting a course for the next chapter in CentrePort’s growth. I’m honoured by the trust that the organization has placed in me to step into this role, and I will carry forward the values and vision Peggy has established, positioning CentrePort as a leader in global trade and transportation.”
Patel has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, working in commercial and corporate banking. Patel joined RBC in 2014 and was appointed Vice President of Commercial Financial Services in 2017. In his current role, he and his team cover a broad range of industries, including real estate development (private and public REITs), construction services, and supply chain.
Patel is actively involved in supporting his community and promoting inclusion. He has served on several prominent boards, including the TELUS Manitoba and Saskatchewan Community Board; United Way Winnipeg Board of Trustees; the Asper School of Business Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) Taskforce; and the James W. Burns Leadership Institute Advisory Board. He was recently appointed to the University of Manitoba’s Board of Governors and is the Chair of the University of Manitoba Finance and Infrastructure Committee. Patel served as Chair of the Winnipeg Chamber Chair for the 2020/21 operating year, demonstrating his dedication to advancing the interests of businesses in Winnipeg.
“I am confident that Raj’s leadership will be a key ingredient for CentrePort’s ongoing success,” said Edmundson. “CentrePort is a platform that private industry can leverage in order to be more competitive on a global stage. Under Raj’s direction, we will continue to ensure that the tri-modal inland port helps businesses grow and connects them with major markets around the world.”
As outlined in the CentrePort Canada Act, the CentrePort Canada Board of Directors is comprised of up to 15 members and includes nominees from the Business Council of Manitoba, Economic Development Winnipeg Inc., Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Manitoba Federation of Labour, Manitoba Trucking Association, Winnipeg Airports Authority, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, the Rural Municipality of Rosser, City of Winnipeg, Government of Manitoba and Government of Canada, as well as up to four directors at large.
CentrePort Canada is a 20,000-acre inland port and Foreign Trade Zone. Located in the heart of North America, CentrePort connects to major national and international trade gateways and corridors, and is the only inland port in the country with direct access to tri-modal transportation – extensive truck, rail and air cargo operations. www.centreportcanada.ca
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For more information, please contact:
CentrePort Canada Inc.
Aimee Goyer
Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives and Marketing
204.981.8845
agoyer@centreport.ca
