Airport Board Transitions Leadership and Welcomes New Board Member
Hamilton, ON (September 25, 2025) – TradePort International Corporation (TradePort), a wholly owned subsidiary of Vantage Group and operator of John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (Hamilton International, the Airport), today announced that long-time Board Chair Col. R. Foxcroft, O.C. has been appointed Chair Emeritus, recognizing more than three decades of leadership and commitment to the Airport. TradePort Board of Directors also appointed Stewart Steeves as Chair and Ron McKerlie as a Director.
Foxcroft provided a leadership role at TradePort for 30 years, including 21 years as Chair, during which time Hamilton International reached major milestones that have shaped its role as a key economic driver for the region. During his tenure, the Airport transformed into Canada’s largest overnight express cargo hub, saw remarkable growth in passenger traffic and, most recently, marked a new chapter with a new 49-year lease, completing a multi-million-dollar terminal enhancement and introducing Porter Airlines service.
In his new role as Chair Emeritus, Foxcroft will continue to serve as an ambassador, advisor and champion for Hamilton International – maintaining his strong connection to the Airport’s future while celebrating the foundation he helped build. To recognize his decades of dedication, TradePort is establishing the TradePort Ron Foxcroft Leadership in Aviation Scholarship at Mohawk College for students pursuing aviation studies. This scholarship honours his legacy of guiding Hamilton International with vision, integrity and a commitment to community impact, while inspiring the next generation of aviation leaders to carry forward those same values.
To support this next chapter, Stewart Steeves, Chief Operating Officer at Vantage Group and long-time TradePort Board member, has been appointed Board Chair. Steeves brings deep experience in airport planning and development, including previously serving as Chief Financial Offer at Hamilton International. Steeves has overseen nearly $10 billion in redevelopment projects across North America and the Caribbean and was instrumental in Hamilton International’s recent terminal improvements and expansion of passenger service through Porter Airlines.
The Board also welcomes Ron McKerlie, the former President of Mohawk College and the Mohawk College Foundation. During his decade of leadership at the College, McKerlie advanced many transformational initiatives, including creating the Centre for Aviation Technology at KF Aerospace. Through this collaborative partnership with industry partners, Mohawk College brought all its aviation programs into a purpose-built, state-of-the-art airside facility located on Hamilton International property. McKerlie also has 35 years in senior roles in the public and private sectors, including the Bank of Montreal, Rogers Communications and the Ontario Government.
“Serving as TradePort’s Board Chair has been one of the greatest privileges of my career, and I look forward to continuing to support the Airport in my new role,” said Foxcroft. “This transition marks an exciting time for TradePort and Hamilton International, as we champion growth of passenger service, alongside our strong cargo operations and continued land development. I am beyond confident in the talent of our expanded Board to carry our mission forward.”
“Ron Foxcroft’s legacy at Hamilton International cannot be overstated,” said Steeves. “His vision and leadership have helped position the Airport as a leader in cargo, a growing player in passenger service, and an economic engine for our community. I am honoured to build on this foundation and to have Ron McKerlie bring his expertise as we carry forward with the important work ahead.”
“I am proud to join this dedicated Board,” said McKerlie, Director. “Hamilton International is an economic driver and invaluable community asset, and I look forward to helping advance its growth and continue telling the story of the impact it has on the entire Southern Ontario region.”
Back row (left): Frank Scremin, Stewart Steeves. Front row (from left): Peter Tong, Ron Foxcroft, George Casey, Sami Teittinen, Ron McKerlie, Ed Ratuski.
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About John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is a growing international gateway for affordable travel and the largest overnight express freight airport in Canada. The Airport is owned by the City of Hamilton and managed under an agreement by TradePort International Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vantage Group – a global leader in airport and transportation investment, development, management, and advisory services. This allows Hamilton International to incorporate best-in-class practices from around the world into its operations. As an efficient facilitator of cargo and passenger operations, Hamilton International is an economic engine and responsible community partner. Its strategic location and uncongested 24/7 operations make it an attractive option for both passenger and cargo carriers looking to serve the Southern Ontario market.
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