General and Flag Officer Senior Promotions and Appointments

The first Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) General and Flag Officer senior appointments and promotions for 2022 were announced by Chief of the Defence Staff, General Wayne Eyre.   The CAF has a very specific set of requirements for General and Flag Officers that are driven by the need for defence priorities leadership at the institutional level, the ability to create and sustain a diverse and inclusive culture, and experience with project leadership abroad.

The promotions and appointments are as follows:

  • Rear-Admiral AI Topshee will be promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral and appointed Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, in Ottawa, replacing Vice-Admiral CA Baines, who will retire from the Canadian Armed Forces.
  • Lieutenant-General JJMJ Paul will be appointed Commander Canadian Army, in Ottawa.
  • Major-General SR Kelsey will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General and appointed Deputy Commander Allied Joint Force Command Naples, in Naples Italy, replacing Lieutenant-General JJMJ Paul.
  • Major-General EJ Kenny will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General and appointed Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, in Ottawa, replacing Lieutenant-General AD Meinzinger, who will retire from the Canadian Armed Forces.

The CAF’s promotion-selection process continues to evolve and is being continually refined to select the best leaders demonstrating professional excellence and strength of character.

CDS Announces First General Officer Appointments and Promotions for 2022

In addition, General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff, also announced the first Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) general officer appointments and promotions for 2022. The ability to direct defence priorities at the institutional level, creating, and sustaining a diverse and inclusive culture, and demonstrating leadership abroad are the factors considered for CAF appointed general officers.

The promotions and appointments are as follows:

  • Rear-Admiral AI Topshee will be promoted to Vice-Admiral and appointed Commander Royal Canadian Navy, Ottawa, replacing Vice-Admiral CA Baines, who will be retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces.
  • Lieutenant-General JJMJ Paul will be appointed Commander of the Canadian Army in Ottawa.
  • Major-General SR Kelsey will be promoted to Lieutenant-General and appointed Deputy Commander Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Naples, Italy, replacing Lieutenant-General JJMJ Paul.
  • Major-General EJ Kenny will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General and appointed Commander Royal Canadian Air Force, Ottawa, replacing Lieutenant-General AD Meinzinger, who will be retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces.

The selection process for CAF promotion is continually evolving to select Candidates are selected from among leaders demonstrating strength of character and professional excellence.