Russel Atkinson is a highly experienced professional currently serving as the Director of Air Service Development & Strategy at the Vancouver Airport Authority.

With a background in Business Administration and Marketing, Russel holds an MBA from Simon Fraser University, reflecting his strong academic foundation.

He is actively involved in various committees and boards, including Destination Canada's Research Advisory Committee, the Canadian Airports Council Facilitation Committee, and Tourism Richmond.

Russel Atkinson and his team at YVR were recognized with the prestigious 2017 Overall Winner at the Routes Marketing Awards, held in Barcelona, a testament to their innovative strategies and impactful work in the industry.

His diverse professional experience includes roles such as Manager of Air Service Development, Marketing, and Partners at the Vancouver Airport Authority, demonstrating his versatile skill set.

Prior to his tenure at the Vancouver Airport Authority, Russel held key management positions at oneworld Management Company, where he contributed to global alliance fare products, regional development, market development, product management, and IT analysis.

His extensive experience in the aviation and travel industry equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the market and enables him to drive successful air service development strategies.