Thursday May 22, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Effective July 15, the new CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce will be John Wilson.
Wilson is known in the broader business community as CEO of Wilson’s Group of Companies that runs transportation routes in many parts of Vancouver Island and BC, as well as Past Chair of The Chamber’s Board of Directors.
He is known more broadly in the wider community for his involvement with local team sports and also having run in 2024 to be the MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood.
Wilson is through his career to now, well positioned to serve the interests of the tourism and transportation as key aspects of the south Vancouver Island business sector and broader economy.
Indeed, Wilson was chosen by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce board of directors “because of his experience running a business as well as his connections to decision makers in our region”, as stated by current Chamber Chair Chritina Clarke.
Williams is outgoing:
The role of CEO has been held by Bruce Williams since 2020. Williams announced in December 2024 that he was moving on from the role by June 2025.
“I’m humbled to be offered this position, and grateful for the opportunity to serve our community by continuing my work with The Chamber,” said Wilson in a news release from the Chamber.
“This is an organization that aligns with the values I’ve always brought to business,” he said.
Wilson thanked Williams for his “amazing tenure” and in particular recognizing the outgoing CEO for raising the profile of The Chamber.
“I won’t try to fill his shoes, but I will carry on his success, and I look forward to doing my part to realize the vision of our amazing volunteer Board of Director,” said Wilson in the Chamber’s statement.
Greater Victoria reach:
Whereas other local chambers of commerce (e.g. Esquimalt, West Shore, Sidney Peninsula, and others) naturally focus on their defined regions, the reach of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is just that … the greater area.
Connections made at their various events and meetings have reach and impact beyond municipal borders.
Ready for the role:
As it’s as if the CEO role was made ready for John Wilson. He served for 13 years on the Chamber Board, three of those as Chair in the tumultuous years of the COVID 19 pandemic recovery.
” I found great value and insight in our collaboration through those difficult times,” said outgoing CEO Williams, reflecting back on those times.
John Wilson has more than 35 years of experience in the ground transportation and tourism industry, and has served on many boards and committees serving the community and business.
In addition to being Past Chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Chair of Motor Coach Canada, Co-chair of the Victoria Hockey Legacy Society, Canadian Representative for United Motorcoach Association, Past President of Victoria’s SKAL Club, Board Member of the City of Victoria’s Economic Development and Downtown Prosperity Task Force, Board Member of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada and a committee member of Destination Greater Victoria’s Destination Management and Transportation, as well as the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission Committee.
Wilson is as Greater Victoria as one can get. Born and raised in Greater Victoria, he has woven his company’s work and his interest in sports through many levels of the commerce and community in the region.
When he entered the race for the BC Conservatives to run for a provincial legislature seat in Esquimalt-Colwood his entry into the race changed the entire playing field, because of his instant name recognition and pre-set support among the business components of community.
===== RELATED:
- John Wilson brings business experience & community connection to Esquimalt-Colwood campaign (October 2, 2024)
- NEWS SECTIONS: BUSINESS | BUSINESS & ECONOMY | CRD & GREATER VICTORIA | SOUTH VANCOUVER ISLAND
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