Jun 19, 2023

Windsor, Ontario • Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) welcomes the Government of Canada’s appointment of Charl van Niekerk as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Mr. van Niekerk was selected following an open, transparent and merit-based process. With his role starting on July 25, 2023, Mr. van Niekerk brings extensive experience in public-private partnership projects, including planning, delivery and operations of infrastructure, and senior leadership to WDBA.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is the largest and most ambitious infrastructure project along the Canada-US border. WDBA and its project partners are making great progress on its ongoing construction with less than 30 m/100 ft to be built on the bridge towers until they reach their full height and deck construction over the Detroit River well underway.

QUOTES

“The Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Charl van Niekerk as WDBA’s new CEO. Charl joins the Crown corporation at an exciting time as we are now at the peak of construction activity. His depth of experience in all stages of infrastructure development including overseeing the delivery of the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway make him well suited to provide strategic guidance through construction and lead WDBA’s transition to become the operator of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. We look forward to working with Charl in this key leadership role. The Board and I thank the executive team at WDBA for their support during the CEO search.”

-  Tim Murphy, Chair, WDBA Board of Directors

“The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is both history making and future building. I am eager to start working with WDBA staff, the Government of Canada, project partners and key stakeholders as we complete construction, open the bridge and connect cross-border travellers through the newest and most inspiring landmark between Canada and the US. It is an honour to be named as WDBA’s CEO.”

-  Charl van Niekerk, CEO, WDBA

QUICK FACTS

  • Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is a Canadian Crown corporation, headquartered in Windsor, Ontario, with approximately 110 employees.

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is being delivered through a public-private partnership with Bridging North America.

  • Recent achievements on the project include over the start of stay cable installation and the inclusion of Underground Railroad commemorative artwork.

RELATED PRODUCTS

Read more about Charl van Niekerk.

ABOUT WINDSOR-DETROIT BRIDGE AUTHORITY

Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation created to deliver the Gordie Howe International Bridge project between Windsor, ON and Detroit, MI through a public- private partnership (P3). WDBA is responsible for overseeing and managing the construction and operation of the new crossing. For more information on WDBA  visit www.GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com and follow the project on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GordieHoweBrg.  

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Gordie Howe International Bridge
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