New boss for Vancouver Home Builders' Association

The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) spent the summer conducting a national search for its chief executive officer, and ended up hiring someone from its own backyard.

The GVHBA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Bob de Wit, 44, as chief executive officer, replacing Peter Simpson, 68, who is retiring at the end of October after 19 years at the helm of what is now Canada’s second-largest home builders’ association.

De Wit, who resides in South Surrey with his wife and daughter, is well positioned to help take the association to the next level. Earning degrees in marketing (BBA) and economics (MA) from Simon Fraser University, de Wit has executive experience in corporate development, finance and competitive market intelligence.

“I am honoured and excited to have the opportunity to join GVHBA and help build on the efforts of Peter and his excellent team. I enjoy my network of friends and associates who are active in the residential construction industry. As an entrepreneur, I can appreciate the issues they face and the value they bring to their customers,” said de Wit.

“This is such a crucial time in the history of residential construction with the explosion of new technologies and environmental complexity, and GVHBA needs to continue to encourage co-operation among members and other stakeholders as they negotiate that change,” said de Wit. “I look forward to leveraging my previous executive leadership with not-for-profits, public and private companies to delivering even greater value for GVHBA members.”

“The succession-planning process started two years ago, and I am delighted Bob emerged as the new leader tasked with taking this respected association to greater heights of excellence for members and consumers alike. GVHBA will benefit greatly from his impressive business experience and well-honed technology skills. I am leaving the association in very capable hands,” said Simpson.