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WINNIPEG — CentrePort Canada Inc. has appointed Shreeraj Patel, vice-president of commercial financial services with Royal Bank of Canada, as chair of the corporation’s private sector-led board of directors.

He joined the board in 2022 as the nominee of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and previously held the roles of vice-chair and chair for the finance and audit committee.

This change comes following former board chair Peggy May’s decision to step down due to health reasons, states a release. May, nominated in 2022 by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, has served as chair since June 2024. She will remain on the board of directors after taking a leave of absence.

“We thank Peggy for inspiring and guiding the board and staff during her time as chair,” said Carly Edmundson, president and CEO of CentrePort Canada Inc. in a statement. “Over the course of her tenure, Peggy provided the organization with invaluable strategic direction, championing opportunities for new economic growth at CentrePort Canada.”

Patel has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, working in commercial and corporate banking. He joined RBC in 2014 and was appointed vice-president of commercial financial services in 2017. In his current role, he and his team cover a broad range of industries, including real estate development, construction services and supply chain.

“Peggy’s leadership at CentrePort has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Patel. “She has set a high standard with her vision, dedication and the personal care she’s put into charting a course for the next chapter in CentrePort’s growth. I’m honoured by the trust that the organization has placed in me to step into this role, and I will carry forward the values and vision Peggy has established, positioning CentrePort as a leader in global trade and transportation.”

CentrePort Canada is a 20,000-acre inland port and foreign trade zone. It connects to major national and international trade gateways and corridors and is the only inland port in the country with direct access to tri-modal transportation – truck, rail and air cargo operations.

“I am confident that Raj’s leadership will be a key ingredient for CentrePort’s ongoing success,” Edmundson continued. “CentrePort is a platform that private industry can leverage in order to be more competitive on a global stage. Under Raj’s direction, we will continue to ensure that the tri-modal inland port helps businesses grow and connects them with major markets around the world.”

The board is comprised of up to 15 members and includes nominees from the Business Council of Manitoba, Economic Development Winnipeg Inc., Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Manitoba Federation of Labour, Manitoba Trucking Association, Winnipeg Airports Authority, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, the Rural Municipality of Rosser, City of Winnipeg, Government of Manitoba and Government of Canada, as well as up to four directors at large.