The WestJet Group has announced new appointments to its Board of Directors. WestJet introduced Benjamin Smith and Álex Cruz as Vice-Chairs in a move aimed at bolstering its board. Moreover, Lisa Durocher has also been appointed to the WestJet Group’s Board of Directors.
Chris Burley, Chairman of the WestJet Group’s Board of Directors, expressed his enthusiasm about the latest appointments, stating, “It gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Benjamin and Álex as Vice-Chairs of our Board of Directors. Benjamin and Álex are both senior airline industry veterans with proven track records who will continue to bring strategic and commercial leadership to the WestJet Group as we work together to deliver value to WestJet Group’s guests, employees, and stakeholders.”
About WestJet Group’s New Board of Directors Appointees
Benjamin Smith: An industry stalwart, Benjamin Smith, currently spearheading Air France-KLM as its CEO since 2018, has an illustrious history with Air Canada. With over two decades under his belt at Air Canada, his tenure saw him in various prominent roles, his last being President, Airlines, and Chief Operating Officer.
Álex Cruz: Airline industry heavyweight Álex Cruz began his journey at American Airlines in Dallas. His entrepreneurial venture saw him launching Clickair, which later merged with Vueling. This led to its acquisition by the International Airlines Group (IAG). His leadership acumen continued during his tenure as the Chairman and CEO of British Airways from 2016 to 2021.
Lisa Durocher: Previously at the helm of Rogers Bank as its CEO, Ms. Durocher’s experience extends to senior roles at American Express. Her leadership in digital product development, loyalty program management, and global marketing makes her an invaluable asset to WestJet. “Lisa’s impressive 30 years of leadership experience at some of North America’s most successful brands will be an invaluable asset to the WestJet Group as we continue to radically digitalize and rapidly grow our business to serve market demand,” commented Chris Burley.
For those looking to learn more about these strategic changes and the airline’s Board of Directors at the WestJet Group, visit WestJet’s official page.
A Glimpse into WestJet’s Legacy
Over its 27-year tenure, WestJet has transformed the Canadian airspace. What started as a modest venture in 1996 with three aircraft and five destinations has exponentially grown. Today, WestJet boasts a fleet of over 180 aircraft, catering to 110 destinations across 24 countries. Their dedicated workforce 14,000 has been instrumental in halving airfares and bringing aviation to over 50% of the Canadian population.