Senior Leadership

Roelof-Jan (RJ) Steenstra

President and CEO

Roelof-Jan (RJ) Steenstra is an accomplished and award-winning leader who is recognized for driving businesses forward by harnessing innovation, driving revenue diversification, and leveraging strategic insight to propel organizational achievement and growth. With experience across various sectors of business, Mr. Steenstra is most passionate about aviation as evidenced through chief executive roles with both the Red Deer Airport Authority and Fort McMurray Airport Authority. In 2022, Mr. Steenstra assumed the role of President & CEO of PortsToronto, which owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and the marine Port of Toronto, among other assets. Since joining PortsToronto, Mr. Steenstra has driven transformational change at the organization by prioritizing innovation, strategic planning, commercial development, inclusivity, collaboration, employee engagement and sustainability.

Mr. Steenstra’s commitment to the aviation industry and city building has led to such past roles as Co-Chair of the 2023 Arctic Winter Games Bid Committee, Director for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)/ Airports Council International World (ACI) Community of Practice, and the American Association of Airport Executive’s (AAAE) Northwest Chapter. He is the immediate past Chair of the Policy Board for the Canadian Airports Council.

Mr. Steenstra currently serves as a Director on the Airports Council International – NA (ACI-NA) Board, and also sits on the global board for Airports Council International – World, which represents the collective interests of airports around the world to promote excellence in the aviation industry. In 2024, Mr. Steenstra joined the Advisory Committee for Toronto Global Forum, the Council for the Airports Council International (ACI) Fund, and the Board of Directors for Destination Toronto, which are relevant intersection points between the aviation industry and the industry’s role in the experience economy.   

Mr. Steenstra holds a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Calgary, as well as an MBA from Royal Roads University. His professional certifications, including the Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) and International Airport Professional (IAP) designations from ICAO/ACI, alongside the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) designation from the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Management, reflect his commitment to continuous professional development and leadership excellence.

John Peellegoda

Chief Financial Officer & Senior Vice President of Strategy

John Peellegoda serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Strategy at PortsToronto, where he brings over two decades of strategic financial leadership to the organization. With an extensive background in corporate finance, Mr. Peellegoda is responsible for overseeing the company’s financial operations, including planning, analysis, and reporting, as well as driving commercial development and strategic initiatives that align with PortsToronto’s long-term vision.

Throughout his career, Mr. Peellegoda has successfully led finance teams across various sectors within the infrastructure space. He has held senior roles at leading organizations, including the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp, PwC Canada, and several other prominent financial services institutions. His diverse experience spans corporate finance, risk management, financial reporting, and strategic business planning. This broad expertise has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both the operational and strategic needs of large, complex organizations.

Mr. Peellegoda is known for his exceptional leadership, having driven operational efficiencies and financial performance improvements throughout his career. His strategic insights have consistently enabled the organizations he’s worked with to navigate dynamic market conditions while ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.

He holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business and is a Chartered Accountant (CA) and Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). His educational background, combined with his extensive industry experience, gives him a unique perspective on both the financial and strategic dimensions of business leadership.

At PortsToronto, Mr. Peellegoda plays a critical role in shaping and executing the financial and strategic roadmap for the organization. Working closely with the senior leadership team, he is instrumental in driving the company’s financial strategy, optimizing capital structure and allocation, and ensuring that PortsToronto continues to meet its fiscal objectives while delivering on its broader strategic goals.

Will Ramjass

Senior Vice President & General Counsel

Will Ramjass serves as the Senior Vice President and General Counsel for PortsToronto. With extensive experience in business law, Mr. Ramjass brings a diverse legal background spanning real estate, corporate/commercial law, and technology law. His deep expertise in these areas enables him to provide strategic legal counsel in navigating complex organizational and operational challenges.

Before joining PortsToronto, Mr. Ramjass enjoyed a distinguished career in private practice, followed by significant in-house legal roles. He has held senior legal positions at several prominent organizations, including Tim Hortons, and as the Director and Assistant General Counsel for McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada, where he led legal teams in both domestic and international matters.

In addition to his role at PortsToronto, Mr. Ramjass is committed to public service and professional development and has a strong history of leadership and community involvement. He has served as Chair of the City of Brampton Appeal Tribunal, is a former member of the Board of Directors of Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada and is actively engaged in mentorship through the Law Society’s Coach and Advisor Network Program. Over the years, he has contributed to various mentoring initiatives, helping to guide the next generation of legal professionals.

Mr. Ramjass earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Windsor and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from York University. His academic background, combined with his diverse professional experience, allows him to approach legal issues from a holistic and business-oriented perspective.

Deborah Wilson

Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs

Deborah Wilson is the Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at PortsToronto, where she leads the organization’s strategic communications initiatives, fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, the public, and the media. An accomplished communications executive with extensive experience across a wide range of industries, Ms. Wilson is recognized for her ability to blend strategic vision with impactful storytelling, driving business outcomes through effective communications strategies.

With a diverse career spanning over two decades, Ms. Wilson has held senior leadership roles in broadcasting, banking, professional services, and technology. She has contributed to the success of top-tier organizations, including Astral Media, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Scotiabank, and American Express. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong track record of building brands, managing corporate reputations, and navigating complex public relations challenges, all while driving positive change and organizational growth.

Ms. Wilson brings deep expertise in a wide range of communications disciplines, including media relations, crisis management, internal communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement. Her ability to craft and deliver compelling narratives has earned her recognition within the industry, most notably as an IABC Gold Quill Award recipient for Excellence in Communications Management.

In addition to her practical experience, Ms. Wilson holds an undergraduate degree from Western University and a Master of Arts (MA) in Communications, Culture, and Public Policy from York University. She is also certified in various fields, including marketing, editing, and governance, enhancing her ability to bring a multifaceted approach to her work in communications and public affairs.

A dedicated advocate for community engagement and leadership, Ms. Wilson has served on the boards of several prominent organizations, including the Toronto Waterfront Festival, Canadian Women in Communications, and Youth Media Alliance. She currently sits on the Advisory Council for Hope Air, a non-profit organization that provides free flights to people in need of medical care.

Bojan Drakul

Vice President, Infrastructure, Planning and Environment

Bojan Drakul is the Vice President of Infrastructure, Planning, and Environment at PortsToronto. With over 27 years of extensive experience in the aviation and transportation sectors, Mr. Drakul specializes in capital projects and program management as well as environment, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. He has a proven track record of leading and managing large-scale infrastructure projects in Canada, USA and internationally, with a particular emphasis on aviation and marine related initiatives. His expertise extends across airport and port development, encompassing both strategic planning and the execution of complex projects that drive long-term growth.

Throughout his career, Mr. Drakul has developed a strong reputation for his ability to collaborate effectively with government partners, industry stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure the successful and timely delivery of major infrastructure projects. He is particularly skilled in navigating the challenges associated with large-scale projects and maintaining alignment with broader regional and national transportation goals.

Before joining PortsToronto, Mr. Drakul had an impactful career in the aviation consulting industry, serving in various project and program management roles. His work included managing a wide range of airside and landside development projects in Canada, the United States, and abroad with value in excess of $3B. Most recently, he served as Senior Project Manager, Aviation at WSP, where he led numerous high-profile projects in the aviation sector.

Mr. Drakul holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto and is a registered professional engineer in Ontario. His deep technical knowledge, combined with his leadership in the field, positions him as a key figure in the development of sustainable and innovative infrastructure solutions for PortsToronto.

Warren Askew

Vice President, Airport

Warren Askew serves as the Vice President, Airport at PortsToronto. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the transportation and infrastructure sectors, Mr. Askew is a highly accomplished executive in the aviation industry. He is renowned for his ability to drive change, foster collaboration, and lead with a visionary approach to operational excellence and growth.

Throughout his career, Mr. Askew has held a variety of strategic and leadership roles that have shaped his deep expertise in airport operations and management. Prior to joining PortsToronto, he contributed to the growth and success of John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, and most recently, as Chief Operating Officer at The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited. In each of these roles, Mr. Askew was instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency, improving customer experience, and leading major infrastructure projects.

As Vice President, Airport at PortsToronto, Mr. Askew is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Toronto’s waterfront airport, including enhancing operational safety, managing strategic initiatives and business performance, and contributing to the long-term growth of the organization. His leadership focuses on optimizing airport services, building strong partnerships with stakeholders, and driving sustainability initiatives that align with global aviation trends.

Mr. Askew is in the process of completing his MBA from the University of Fredericton and holds an Honours Aviation Management diploma from Georgian College. He also possesses specialized certifications in strategic leadership, innovation, and climate governance, which complement his extensive practical experience. A dedicated professional, Mr. Askew is an active member of the International Association of Airport Executives (IAEE) Canada, where he contributes to advancing industry standards and best practices.

Kelly McDonald

Senior Director, Human Resources

Kelly McDonald is the Senior Director of Human Resources at PortsToronto. Drawing on more than 25 years of diverse experience across telecommunications, professional services, retail, non-profit, and transportation sectors, Kelly is a recognized leader in fostering inclusive workplaces, driving organizational effectiveness, and championing employee engagement.

She holds certifications in human resources and board governance, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and organizational leadership. Her governance contributions include serving as Chair of the Board for the Mission to Seafarers Southern Ontario, where she supports the well-being of seafarers, and Vice Chair for the International Longshoreman Health and Welfare Trust Board, focusing on health and pension benefits for port workers.

As a passionate advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, Kelly plays a role in the Black Aviation Professionals Network’s Alliance, working to increase representation and opportunities for underrepresented groups within the aviation industry. She also mentors newcomers to Canada and aspiring HR professionals, helping them navigate their careers with confidence and clarity.

Kelly’s influence extends into professional standards development through her role on the CHRL Exam Validation Committee of the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA), where she contributes to shaping the future of the HR profession. Her commitment to community service is evident in her volunteer role as a Welcome Team Member at Toronto Pearson International Airport, where she supports travelers and ensures a positive experience. Additionally, she has shared her expertise as a panelist in initiatives such as Addressing Barriers to Employment for Immigrant and Racialized Women and Youth, a project led by Achev and Women and Gender Equality Canada, and speaking on Wellness strategies at the ACI-NA Business of Airports conference.

Kelly’s professional credentials include the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation from HRPA, affirming her advanced expertise in HR, and the Masters of Trust Management Standards (MTMS) designation from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP).

Sylvain Thériault

Corporate Fire Chief

Sylvain Thériault is the Corporate Fire Chief for PortsToronto, bringing over 39 years of distinguished experience as a Fire & Rescue Responder for structural fire, aircraft, HazMat, training officer, and corporate fire safety leader. Chief Thériault rejoined PortsToronto in April 2023, building on his earlier tenure as Fire Chief and Emergency Response and Planning Manager at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport from 2012 to 2015.

Throughout his career, Chief Thériault served as a military firefighter on multiple air force bases, on His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Montréal, and the CBRNE & Fire Academy. After retiring from the military, he held pivotal roles in some of Canada’s busiest and most critical transportation hubs. Prior to his return to PortsToronto, he served as Academic and Firefighting Director in Dubai, Fire Chief at the Calgary International Airport, where he helped Pro-Tec Fire Services take over the Aircraft Rescue Fire Services from the Calgary Fire Department. Most recently, he was Fire Chief for Saskatoon Airport and Pro-Tec Fire Services’ Regional Fire Chief for Canadian Operations where he oversaw fire safety and emergency preparedness across multiple Canadian Airports.

Chief Thériault’s academic credentials include a Master’s Degree in Disaster and Emergency Management from Royal Roads University, reflecting his commitment to advanced leadership in crisis planning and response. He also holds multiple certifications from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), underscoring his technical expertise and adherence to global standards in fire safety and emergency management.

A respected leader and mentor in his field, Chief Thériault is dedicated to fostering innovation, resilience, and excellence in fire services. His breadth of experience and unwavering commitment to safety make him an invaluable asset to PortsToronto’s operations.