The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Association of Canada’s Board of Directors has announced Cyrus Cooper’s appointment as CEO of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, starting immediately.
Cyrus has more than 20 years of expertise in the hotel and higher education industries in Canada. He formerly served as Director of Operations at Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality, The Granite Club, and Pusateri’s Fine Foods. He is presently a lecturer at Centennial College’s School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts, where he directs the Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Management post-graduate program. He graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Ted Rogers School of Management with a B.Com. and an MBA.
Cooper is described as ‘a seasoned leader, whose characteristic drive, ambition, and emphasis on service, team development, and leadership has been his distinguishing feature of his.’ Cooper is also an active community member, serving on committees for organizations such as Toronto Metropolitan University and Trillium Health Partners. He lives in Mississauga with his wife and two boys.
Cooper succeeds Charlie Johnstone, who left in July 2023 after heading The Royal since 2015.
The 102nd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair will take place at Exhibition Place in Toronto from November 1–10, 2024.
