Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism today announced a leadership transition, as President & CEO Ryan Kuffner has advised the Board of Directors of his decision to step down after nearly nine years with the organization, including three years in the CEO role.
Kuffner will remain in the position through the end of June, or until a successor is in place, while the Board embarks on next steps to identify the organization’s next President & CEO.
“On behalf of the Board, I thank Ryan for his leadership and dedication to Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism,” said Denise Zaporzan, Chair of the Board of Directors. “During his time, the organization has made significant progress and built a strong foundation for the future. The Board remains fully supportive of the organization’s strategy and direction, and confident in the important work ahead.”
During Kuffner’s tenure, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism advanced several initiatives that helped position the agency for continued impact.
Over the past several years, the organization has:
- Clarified and elevated its corporate name and role as Winnipeg’s lead economic development and tourism agency
- Launched a multi-year strategy focused on growing Winnipeg’s economy
- Refreshed the corporate partnership program to support the one-agency model
- Successfully concluded the Real Impact campaign and launched a new program aligned with the organization’s future direction
- Established an Indigenous Advisory Council and advanced a commitment to economic reconciliation
- Supported the successful hosting of major national events, including Rendez-vous Canada and the Grey Cup, and secured the 2027 JUNO Awards for Winnipeg
- Expanded the organization’s mandate to include workforce solutions and talent attraction to support business growth
Kuffner said the decision to resign was a personal one after nearly nine years with the organization.
“Leading Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism has truly been a privilege and, in many ways, a dream role for me,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and grateful to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team. On a personal level, I feel this is the right moment for me and my family to begin this transition.”
Zaporzan said the Board respects and supports Kuffner’s decision and is working closely with him to ensure a smooth transition.
“Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism is well positioned for the future, with a strategy in place to grow Winnipeg’s economy and a strong foundation built during Ryan’s tenure,” she said. “As the Board takes its next steps to determine the organization’s next President & CEO, the focus will be on identifying a strong successor who can build on this momentum and continue advancing the strategy that Ryan and the team have built.”
