Windsor native named new CEO of bridge authority

A native of Windsor has been named CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority. Bryce Phillips will take the helm of the bridge authority at a critical stage, with construction expected to begin on the Gordie Howe International Bridge this fall. Phillips, who graduated from the University of Windsor as a mechanical engineer, has had a 35year career in the private sector, most recently as vice-president of Kinectrics, where he oversaw major infrastructure projects for clients across North America and Europe.

He previously held leadership roles at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, where his job titles included operations manager, plant manager, deputy vice-president and senior vicepresident.

Phillips is expected to start his new job with the bridge authority in mid-July.

“The Government of Canada is committed to the successful completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge,” said Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, who made the announcement Tuesday.

“I am very pleased to announce Mr. Bryce Phillips as the new CEO of WDBA. He will be an effective leader of the corporation while ensuring the success of this critical, binational infrastructure project.” Phillips will take over from WD - BA’s interim CEO Andre Juneau, who stepped in last fall following the abrupt departure of former CEO Michael Cautillo.

“As a Windsor native, I understand the importance and need for a new efficient border transportation system in this region,” said Phillips in a statement.

“In my new role as CEO of WDBA, I greatly look forward to contributing to the largest and most ambitious trade infrastructure project along the CanadaUnited States border and to give back to the community that I am so proud to consider home.” A private sector consortia, among a short-list of three finalists, is expected to be named within the next couple weeks by WDBA to handle construction of the Howe bridge project. The project includes the crossing, plazas and new three-kilometre feeder road to link with I-75 freeway in Detroit.

It is anticipated the bridge project will be completed in late 2022 or early 2023.

“On behalf of the board of directors, we are excited to work with Bryce as he leads WDBA through the next stage in the delivery of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project,” said Dwight Duncan, board chairman of the bridge authority.