VSA Industry Bulletin

December 12, 2021

Announcement: New CEO - Ian Christman

Public Release - Industry Bulletin

The Board of Directors of the Vehicle Sales Authority of British Columbia (VSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian Christman as President & Chief Executive Officer effective December 9, 2021. Ian was appointed from his current position as VSA Registrar & Chief Legal Officer.

“After an extensive search, the board has appointed Ian as the trusted leader for the VSA”, said Mark Bakken, Chair of the Authority. “Ian has been a key senior executive at the VSA since 2008 and his intimate experience and knowledge of the organization’s operations, its mandate, as well as our stakeholders will provide continuity.”

Ian started his career with the VSA in February 2008 as the Deputy Registrar and Director of Licensing. In March 2012, Ian was appointed as Registrar and also became the Chief Legal Officer in 2020. Ian has advised on all operational matters at the VSA and been involved with strategic planning, budgeting and finance, human resources, government relations and stakeholder relations for over 13 years. Importantly, as Registrar, Ian has independently guided the administration of the legislation the VSA administers.

Prior to his career at the VSA, Ian was a lawyer in private practice in the areas of administrative law, commercial litigation including class actions, and employment law matters. Between the 1980’s and the early 2000’s, Ian worked in various capacities at Canadian Tire stores in Metro Vancouver. These included management and other roles in various service departments such as merchandising, parts, and warehousing. Since 2008, Ian has been a member of the USA-based National Association of Motor Vehicle Boards and Commissions and was its Vice President for several years.

In 2015, Ian obtained his Master of Business Administration from Royal Roads University with international studies in Grenoble, France. He has a law degree from the University of Alberta, a political science degree (international relations and trade) from Simon Fraser University, and a diploma in criminology from Douglas College.

For further information, please contact Archana Singh, Chief Administration Officer