The federal government has appointed a new chief executive officer for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.
Charl van Niekerk will take over the role at the end of July.
"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," said Tim Murphy, chair of the WDBA board of directors.
The CEO role has been empty since the beginning of January when Bryce Phillips stepped down.
Van Niekerk is no stranger to the region. He worked with the provincial government on the completion of the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway.
“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," said van Niekerk.
The bridge project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.