Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism names Chuck Davidson President & CEO to lead agency's next chapter

WINNIPEG, MB – August 27, 2026 – The Board of Directors of Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism today announced the appointment of Chuck Davidson as the organization’s new President & Chief Executive Officer, effective September 8. 

Davidson brings more than a decade of province-wide leadership experience as President and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, where he worked with businesses, communities, local chambers, Indigenous partners, industry leaders and governments across Manitoba to advance shared economic priorities. He has played a leadership role in several major provincial economic development initiatives, including serving as Co-Chair of Manitoba’s Look North process, Chair of the Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation and Co-Chair of the Premier’s Business and Jobs Sub-Committee on Trade.

His experience also extends to Manitoba’s tourism sector, where he has been a long-time advocate for the industry and co-chaired the development of Travel Manitoba’s provincial tourism strategy. 

Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism will continue to serve as Winnipeg’s lead economic development and tourism agency, with growing Winnipeg’s economy and tourism remaining at the core of its work.

Alongside this ongoing mandate, Davidson’s appointment comes as Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism has been tasked by the Province of Manitoba, with the support of the City of Winnipeg and its Board of Directors, to lead the development of a province-wide economic development agency, working collaboratively with partners across Manitoba. 

“Chuck is the right leader to guide Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism through this important next chapter, and the Board is fully behind both his leadership and the direction ahead,” said Denise Zaporzan, Chair, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism Board of Directors. “This opportunity speaks to the strength of Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism, its people and its track record of delivering results for Winnipeg. The Board is confident in the organization’s ability to build on that foundation and bring its collaborative, private-sector-led approach to this work. Winnipeg’s success and Manitoba’s success are deeply connected, and this next chapter creates an opportunity to drive greater prosperity for our city and our province.” 

The proposed Manitoba-wide economic development agency would create a coordinated, single-window approach by bringing together provincial, municipal, regional, Indigenous and private-sector partners to better align economic development efforts across Manitoba and make it easier for businesses and investors to access the support, expertise and resources they need. The development of a province-wide economic development agency will build on the organization’s experience and proven results in the city.

“I’m incredibly excited to join Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism at such an important moment for the organization, city and province,” said Chuck Davidson, incoming President & CEO, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism. “There is a tremendous opportunity ahead to build on the organization’s strong foundation and bring people together around a more coordinated approach to economic development and tourism. I look forward to working with the talented team at Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism and our partners to create opportunities for businesses and communities to grow and prosper in Winnipeg and across Manitoba.” 

The structure, governance and operating model of the province-wide economic development agency have not yet been finalized. The work will consider how best to bring together existing expertise, capabilities and resources, building on strengths across Manitoba’s economic development ecosystem. 

As this collaborative work begins, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism’s existing strategy, programs, services and corporate partnerships will continue. The organization will remain a non-profit corporation governed by a private-sector-led Board of Directors, with the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg remaining its shareholders. 

Amanda Macdonald will continue in her role as Chief Operating Officer, providing leadership continuity and operational stability throughout the transition.  From 2016 to 2025, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism has helped deliver meaningful outcomes for Winnipeg, including supporting the establishment or expansion of 68 companies; helping to attract, secure and support the delivery of 792 events; drawing more than $1.57 billion in capital investment; and contributing to the creation or support of 17,319 jobs. Altogether, these efforts have added an estimated $5.67 billion to the city’s economy. 

Quotes

Province of Manitoba

“Manitoba has every advantage needed to compete and win on the world stage. This mandate sets the foundation for a province-wide economic development agency that will bring greater coordination, stronger partnership, and a clear front door for investors. Alongside Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism under Chuck Davidson’s leadership, we are creating an agency that will help businesses grow, attract investment, and unlock Manitoba’s full economic potential.” — Minister Jamie Moses, Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation, Province of Manitoba 

City of Winnipeg

“Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism has a strong record of attracting investment, growing our visitor economy and bringing partners together to get results. We welcome a more coordinated, single-window approach to economic development across Manitoba. As this work moves forward, growing Winnipeg’s economy and tourism sector will remain a core focus, while stronger connections across the province will create new opportunities for businesses, investors and communities to succeed.” — Mayor Scott Gillingham, City of Winnipeg 

About Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism 

Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism, formerly Economic Development Winnipeg and Tourism Winnipeg, is the city's lead economic development and tourism agency. 

Governed by a private-sector board and guided by the needs of local business and tourism communities, we drive inclusive, sustainable growth in and around Winnipeg by attracting investment, talent and visitors. 

Through this work, we help make Winnipeg a more vibrant and prosperous place to live, work, invest and visit for the benefit of residents and businesses. 

Media contact

Taylor Fenn
Manager, Partner Communications & Media Relations
Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism
media@winnipegedt.com | 204-794-9853
winnipegedt.com

Back