TORONTO, May 1, 2024 /CNW/ – Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) Board Chair Andrew Petrou today announced the appointment of Phil Arthurs as DAIR’s new Executive Director, effective immediately.
DAIR Executive Director Phil Arthurs
“I am thrilled to congratulate Phil Arthurs on his new role as DAIR’s Executive Director,” said Mr. Petrou. “Over the past six years as DAIR’s Director of Operations, Mr. Arthurs was instrumental in DAIR’s development and growth including advancing strategic partnerships, securing funding, and delivering on programs now supporting collaborative R&D, supply chain development and training for DAIR members and for Ontario’s and Canada’s aerospace industry.”
Mr. Petrou added, “The board is resolutely confident that Mr. Arthurs possesses the experience, skills and connections to execute DAIR’s ongoing mission to spur collaborative innovation by Canadian industry and academia, and continue DAIR ‘s development as a world-leading aerospace innovation hub.”
Mr. Arthurs said, “It is a critical time to solidify and advance Canada’s position in the global aerospace industry. It is imperative to work across jurisdictions and in close collaboration with industry, academia and government, as well as through cross-sector partnerships.”
He added, “I look forward to working with the board on the execution of DAIR’s strategy, including the development of our physical innovation hub at the Downsview site, and delivering strong results through collaborative programs that support companies, organizations, researchers and students in the innovation ecosystem.”
Outgoing DAIR Executive Director Maryse Harvey will continue to serve DAIR as a strategic advisor. During her three years leading the organization, Ms. Harvey’s achievements include significantly elevating DAIR’s public recognition, securing federal funding through the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), assembling a team of dedicated professionals, and successfully launching several novel programs including the DAIR Green Fund and Supplier Development Initiative, both of which have significantly benefited aerospace R&D and industry competitiveness.
“The board expresses sincere gratitude for Ms. Harvey’s skillful leadership over the past several years,” said Mr. Petrou. “We look forward to continuing to work with Ms. Harvey on strategic initiatives, including supporting Mr. Arthurs’ transition to his new role.”
Mr. Arthurs brings a wealth of experience to the Executive Director role. In addition to his prior role as DAIR Director of Operations, he currently serves on the Program Advisory Councils for Toronto Metropolitan University’s Department of Aerospace Engineering and Centennial College’s School of Engineering and Technology and Applied Science – Aerospace. He also served as co-chair of the Ontario Aerospace Council’s Research and Technology Committee.
Previously Mr. Arthurs held positions as Senior Advisor, Team Lead and Manager of the Aerospace, Defence and Manufacturing team in the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development. Internationally, Mr. Arthurs held roles with Dassault Systèmes (co-located at the Boeing Company in Everett, Washington) and with the Centre for European Policy Studies in Brussels, Belgium.
Mr. Arthurs holds a B.Eng (Aerospace) from Toronto Metropolitan University and an MBA from the Ted Rogers School of Management.
About DAIR
Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) is a not-for-profit whose mission is to revolutionize the collaboration environment by catalyzing innovation in aerospace and beyond. DAIR supports its members by offering access to state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure to accelerate leading-edge and sustainable research and technology adoption; creating training solutions for the business and technology challenges of today and tomorrow; providing a platform for industry, academia and government synergies to foster and advance R&D partnerships; supporting continuous improvement in the supply chain; and bringing awareness to and promoting the aerospace industry, locally, nationally and globally
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For further information: Media inquiries, please contact: Samantha Glover, Senior Coordinator Communications & Partnerships, DAIR at communications@dairhub.com