Legal team size: 15

What projects are you most proud to have worked on over the past 12 months?

I am most proud of a new strategic baggage alliance agreement that Legal has been working on closely with our baggage operations department over the past couple of years. The core of airport operations involves moving people, planes and bags safely and efficiently, and we developed a new model for running our baggage system that improved our ecosystem almost overnight. The new arrangement involves our primary service provider contracting directly with other third parties, and supports the fostering of a close business relationship between YVR as airport operator and our service providers. The contract has creative, innovative levers that incentivize performance through multiple KPIs and bonus sharing. Strong communications and data analytics means we can employ dynamic resourcing and closely monitor hot spots and deal with issues quickly. We also developed a comprehensive governance approach that is responsive and nimble. In just six months, the overall performance achieved for getting bags onto planes has moved from the 60%-70% range into the late 80%-90% range. The baggage handlers and airlines are also changing their behaviours, and the new arrangement has strengthened both our safety culture and the collaboration within the airside ecosystem.

I am also proud of the work Legal does in support of the continuing development of YVR’s Digital Twin, a virtual representation of our airport that uses data from sensors, historical records and real-time operations to create a dynamic 2D and 3D model of our terminal and airfield. This virtual model allows us to monitor operations, identify potential issues and make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency and the passenger experience. It is also used for modelling and training. Its development is dynamic and continues to call for Legal support, including general business advice as well as legal expertise around IT issues. Our focus is on supporting our business units so they can take advantage of opportunities, while also effectively managing risks.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

In 2016-17, I was lucky enough to have overseen the legal negotiations of our 30-year Sustainability and Friendship Agreement with the Musqueam people. Our airport is situated in the heart of Musqueam’s traditional, ancestral and unceded lands, and Reconciliation is a priority. The legal agreement was the first of its kind for an airport in Canada, and went beyond just revenue sharing — seeking to ensure we are working together as stewards of the land in protecting the environment and managing any archaeological findings; supporting Musqueam through scholarships, jobs and training programs; and bringing Musqueam culture and art to our airport. Our close relationship with Musqueam continues to evolve, and Legal remains part of that journey as we explore business opportunities together, build Musqueam elements into our procurement processes, etc.

How does your team contribute to the overall business strategy of the company?

As an Executive, I am a full participant in developing our overall Strategy. The Legal team supports all business units across the organization, and they are therefore directly involved in the projects and initiatives that bring our Strategy to life, including building resiliency, diversifying our revenue streams and increasing efficiency and data analytics through digitization.