The British Columbia Ferry Services Board has fired its CEO and announced a new Interim President and CEO. BC Ferries has appointed Jill Sharland as Interim President and CEO of BC Ferries, effective today.
Sharland replaces Mark Collins who is being let go amidst cancellations and staff shortages. The board decided to end Collins’ contract, which will entitle him to severance in accordance with the terms of his contract, though that amount has yet to be finalized.
A robust and professional search to select the company’s permanent CEO will soon be launched, BC Ferries said.
“We thank Mr. Collins for his hard work and dedication to BC Ferries. We wish him well in all future endeavours,” said Board Chair Joy MacPhail. “Like many organizations, BC Ferries has faced recent staffing shortages, service interruptions and COVID-related challenges. There are no quick fixes to these systemic challenges but as a board, we believe it is time for renewal, fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to the highest standards of customer service, safety and affordability,” said MacPhail.
Collins joined BC Ferries in 2004 and held numerous executive-level positions before being appointed CEO in 2017. During that time, BC Ferries invested in upgrades to terminals, implemented a new fare flexibility model and made significant investments in fleet renewal.
Sharland joined BC Ferries in 2020 bringing extensive experience as a financial executive specializing in strategic and operational planning and financial decision support in fast-paced, capital intensive and customer driven industries. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Masters of Business Administration from Queens University as well as an Honors Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology and Physiology from Western University.
