Bill Duron

Bill is a seasoned business and community leader with extensive experience in tourism, media, events, and recreation. He served for two decades as President of Tourism Toronto, helping elevate the city as a leading international destination, and advancing public policy and funding for major tourism and community events and facilities such as the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Bill also represented Canada’s tourism industry in negotiating the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the United States, authored a Canadian Tourism Strategy which led to the creation of the Canadian Tourism Commission, and was elected as the first non-US President of Washington D.C. based Destinations International. Upon resignation, Bill was appointed a Chair of the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership and received an award for Life Time Achievement by the Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

Bill was then appointed Publisher of Toronto Life magazine, and eventually President of parent company Key Media Ltd. He later became CEO of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and Royal Horse Show. Under his leadership, the Royal achieved record attendance, became the most prestigious indoor horse show in North America, and exceeded financial targets. He also formed and became Chairman of York Bay Marine Corp. which operates Toronto Island Marina, Island Yacht Club, Hanlan’s Point Dock Wall, and Yonge Street Dock Wall.

A passionate volunteer, Bill has served on the boards and executive committees of organizations including the United Way of Greater Toronto, Toronto Board of Trade, Greenbelt Foundation, RCMP Foundation, Canadian National Sportsmen Shows, Opera Atelier, and Headwaters Health Care Foundation. He is the co-producer of the Jim Cuddy Jamboree, an event featuring the lead musician of the iconic Blue Rodeo band, which raises funds for conservation and arts and culture.

Bill lives in Saxe Point, Esquimalt, with his wife Melody. They have 5 children and 9 grandchildren who all appreciate nature and spending time outdoors.