Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada Announces New President and CEO

The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada has appointed Peter George as its new president and CEO, effective July 14, 2025. George will succeed Terry Slobodian, who is retiring at the end of July after leading the museum through a significant and successful expansion.

Adam Estes
Adam Estes
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PRESS RELEASE

The board of directors of the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter George as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer, effective July 14, 2025. George succeeds Terry Slobodian, who will retire at the end of July following a successful tenure that saw the museum through a transformative expansion. George brings over 30 years of leadership experience in branding, strategy, and stakeholder engagement, most recently serving as CEO of McKim Communications Group, a leading Winnipeg-based marketing agency. George led the development of award-winning campaigns for clients such as Travel Manitoba, helping to elevate the province’s global tourism brand, and the University of Manitoba, advancing its reputation as a leading research and academic institution.

Peter at RAM
The new President and CEO of the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, Peter George, stands in front of the museum after his appointment. (Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada photo)

“We are thrilled to welcome Peter George to the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada at this important moment in our evolution,” said Barry Bembridge, incoming chair of the museum’s board of directors. “Peter’s deep expertise in strategic communications, his strong relationships across the community, and his passion for storytelling will help us connect even more powerfully with our audiences, supporters, and partners.”

Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

Under George’s leadership, the museum will continue to build on its recent successes, including a major relocation in 2022 to its home next to Winnipeg Richardson International Airport and the development of several acclaimed exhibits. “I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to help this Canadian institution fulfill its potential,” said George. “The RAMWC has been an icon in Manitoba for a generation. With the museum’s beautiful new home at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, the sky’s the limit to how we can further elevate its profile and celebrate the rich history and future of aviation in Canada.”

Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada building

The board also extends its heartfelt appreciation to Terry Slobodian, whose leadership over the past 6 years has been instrumental in repositioning the museum as a cornerstone of Manitoba’s cultural and tourism landscape. Under his guidance, the museum welcomed tens of thousands of visitors annually, and successfully launched a bold capital campaign that raised nearly $48 million to construct its new, award-winning building.

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“Terry’s vision, integrity, and commitment to preserving Canada’s aviation history have left an indelible mark,” said Rennie Zegalski, outgoing chair of the board. “We are deeply grateful for his service and confident that Peter will continue that legacy while charting a dynamic new course for one of the largest aviation heritage collections in Canada.”

About the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada was established in 1974 by a small group of visionaries committed to preserving Canada’s distinct aviation heritage. Today, with nearly 100 historic aircraft and more than 70,000 artefacts, including archival records and photographs, the museum remains one of Canada’s largest and most complete aviation heritage collections. Through remarkable storytelling and engaging exhibits that enable visitors and students to discover the science behind flight, this collection is sure to inspire future generations of aviators and inventors. RAMWC is located on the campus of the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport and will be a premier attraction for the city of Winnipeg. Located on Treaty No. 1 Territory, the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Lakota, and Dene Peoples, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis, RAMWC is committed to Truth and Reconciliation, and to creating a safe space for this to occur. For more information about Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, visit www.royalaviationmuseum.com

Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

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Raised in Fullerton, California, Adam has earned a Bachelor's degree in History and is now pursuing a Master's in the same field. Fascinated by aviation history from a young age, he has visited numerous air museums across the United States, including the National Air and Space Museum and the San Diego Air and Space Museum. He volunteers at the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino as a docent and researcher, gaining hands-on experience with aircraft maintenance. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of aviation history, he is particularly interested in the stories of individual aircraft and their postwar journeys. Active in online aviation communities, he shares his work widely and seeks further opportunities in the field.