At least one of the interim positions in UBC’s administration has now been filled.
According to a press release today, UBC Philip Steenkamp has been appointed to the position of VP of External Relations and Communications. Steenkamp previously held the position of VP of External Relations at SFU.
Steenkamp was unavailable for comment as he is still employed by Simon Fraser University.
Steenkamp has held many positions in the public sector including, but not limited to, Deputy Minister of Advanced Education as well as Deputy Minister in the ministry of training, colleges and universities. He was also CEO of the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games secretariat.
In a press release, new president Martha Piper is quoted, “Our academic and administrative leaders look forward to working with Philip Steenkamp to renew our community connections during this historic centennial year and the years beyond.”
Pascal Spothelfer previously held this role before resigning on December 5, 2014. UBC did not comment on why he left -- the resignation was one of three from upper level administrators that left during Gupta’s short-lived term.