David Wilkes has been appointed president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) Board of Directors, effective January 3, 2018. Wilkes takes over from Bryan Tuckey who has been at the helm for five years.

“We are thrilled that David will join BILD and lead it through its next period of growth,” said Darren. Steedman, chair of the Board of Directors. “This is the culmination of an extensive search process. We are pleased to have found an individual with the background, skills and leadership to take BILD to new levels of advocacy.”

Wilkes most recently served as senior vice-president of government relations and grocery at the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) where he provided leadership to a national team that was responsible for RCC’s government relations activities at the national, provincial and municipal levels. In 2011 he established RCC’s Grocery Division and the unique CEO-based forum known as Grocer Manufacturer Collaborative. Wilkes brings more than 25 years of senior management experience and has provided strategic leadership for the retail industry as a passionate spokesperson, appearing in front of parliamentary committees, senior Cabinet Ministers and industry groups.

“This is an exciting time for BILD and I am delighted to be taking on the role of president and CEO,” said Wilkes. “I’m ready for the challenge of leading an industry that employs over 197,000 people and brings $30 billion in investment value to the Greater Toronto Area.”