The board of directors of the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) has announced the appointment of Jean Hébert as Executive Director. Hébert has had a varied and illustrious career across many industries including the travel industry.

Between 2011 and 2021 Hébert served on the TICO Board as both a Board Member and Chair. He was also a member of the Governance & Human Resources, Audit, Technology and Risk Management, Legislations & Regulations and Business Strategy committees.

Hébert also brings extensive experience in provincial and national government. From 1988–1994 he worked for the Government of Québec as Chief of staff and Policy Advisor for the Minister of Tourism and other Ministries.

From 2003 to February 2006, he was a senior policy advisor in various ministerial offices of the Government of Canada in Ottawa: Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs, Human Resources and Skills Development, Industry Canada, Treasury Board and the Privy Council.

Prior to that, he spent almost eight years at Canada Post's head office as a special advisor to the Chairman of the Board and as Director of Business Development for Canada's largest network of customer service outlets.

“Jean is a wonderful person and brings incredible talent to our Board, our members and industry,” said Brett Walker, CATO Chair.

“We know he will make a huge contribution in raising awareness of issues that matter most and working with governments of all levels as well as other stakeholders to achieve our goals.”

The current CATO Board of directors includes:

Brett Walker, Chair (Collette)

David Green, Vice Chair (G Adventures)

Richard Edwards, Treasurer (The Travel Corporation)

Nicole Bursey, TICO Director, CATO appointed (Transat)

Joanne Dhue, TICO Director, CATO appointed (Sunwing)

Emma Cottis, Chair Sustainability Committee (GOWAY)