WestJet has appointed a new CEO and President to replace outgoing chief, Gregg Saretsky, who announced his retirement on Thursday.
Saretsky started with the airline in June 2009 as vice-president of WestJet Vacations and became chief executive in March 2010.
WestJet officials say Saretsky advised the airline that ‘the time has come for him to retire’ and that his resignation is effective immediately.
"For the past eight years, it's been my privilege to lead team WestJet through a tremendous period of growth and success," said Saretsky in a statement issued on Thursday morning. "I am pleased with the continued growth and profitability we've achieved together. With plans well underway for the launch of Swoop and the introduction of the 787-9 Dreamliners on the horizon, as well as the great work WestJetters do each day, I'm confident WestJet will continue to grow to the next chapter and beyond."
Clive Beddoe, Chair of WestJet’s Board of Directors, says Saretsky took the company to ‘new heights’ during his time with the airline and that WestJet saw its most significant growth under his leadership.
The current Executive Vice-President of Commercial, Ed Sims, has been appointed to take the helm.
"I am honoured by the opportunity to assume the role of President and CEO, and believe strongly in WestJet's next global chapter and the growth potential ahead," said Sims in a release from the company. "In my time at WestJet, I've been inspired by the team's ability to care from the heart while acting like owners. WestJet has a strong challenger's spirit, and I'm thrilled to be able to lead the team onward. I thank Gregg for his leadership, and for setting the foundation for WestJet's global evolution."
Sims has spent more than 30 years in the aviation industry and worked in European and Australasia markets before joining WestJet in May 2017.
