pioneered low-cost flying in Canada.

" By 2016, WestJet will be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world "

Free
Westjet Airlines Management

Executive

Team

Sean Durfy
President and CEO
"The airline industry is a fascinating puzzle. When you put the pieces together correctly as WestJet has, it's a beautiful picture."

"Every industry has a winner. In the North American airline industry, winning is based on past performance and WestJet's financial and guest performance speaks for itself."

Sean Durfy became WestJet President in September 2006 and Chief Executive Officer in September 2007. As President and CEO, Sean is responsible for both the strategic direction of the company and the day-to-day operations of the airline, leading over 7,300 WestJetters as they deliver an exceptional guest experience.

Sean joined WestJet's Executive team in 2004 as Executive Vice-President Sales, Marketing and Airports. His work in sales and marketing increased the airline's profile and saw WestJet named one of the top three brands of the year, earning Sean the honour of Marketer of the Year.

Since Sean's arrival at WestJet, the airline has grown domestic market share by eight per cent, expanded its presence in the transborder and international markets, and has signed a memorandum of understanding to build a distribution and codeshare agreement with U.S. based Southwest Airlines. Today, WestJet is the most profitable airline in North America and the fourth most profitable in the world. In 2008, it will reach approximately $2.5 billion in gross revenue.

Before WestJet, Sean served as President and Chief Operating Officer of ENMAX Energy Corporation and as an Officer of ENMAX Corporation, from April 1999 until December 2004. In this time, he successfully led ENMAX Energy and guided the company through the deregulation of Alberta's electricity industry, positioning it as a profit leader in the North American electricity market.

Born and raised in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Sean grew up in Atlantic Canada, graduating from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing and Finance. An avid runner, skier and sports enthusiast, Sean believes success comes from the proper life balance of physical health, family and career. He and his much better half, Tracy, have two children, Kennedy and Reilly. Sean's favourite WestJet destinations to vacation with his family include Maui, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and Palm Springs, California.

Fred Ring
Executive Vice-President, Corporate Projects

Fred Ring joined the Executive team in September 2002. In his role as Executive Vice-President, Corporate Projects, Fred is responsible for the Corporate Real Estate department, which provides for the space and facility needs required in every city that WestJet serves. In addition to airport and hangar development, building operations and space planning, Fred's primary focus is the planning and development of a Campus plan that features a new office building located adjacent to the Calgary Hangar. This new office tower will consolidate seven office buildings into one large Campus.

Fred joined WestJet in February 2001 as a front line WestJetter where he worked at the airport and call centre. He then moved into Training and Development to assist with training programs for our Customer Service Agents and Sales Super Agents prior to assuming leadership in the People department. Before moving into his current role, Fred held the position of Executive Vice-President, People, where he successfully built the People team and Training and Development team at WestJet over a four and a half year period.

Originally from Saskatchewan, Fred has lived in Calgary for over 40 years. He attended the University of Calgary obtaining his Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education degrees. Prior to joining WestJet Fred spent 32 years as an educator, counsellor and administrator, retiring as Principal of Western Canada High School in Calgary.

Fred and his wife Judy are proud parents of two daughters and recently became grandparents. Fred enjoys running and long walks with his dog, which he will often refer to as his best friend.

Hugh Dunleavy
Executive Vice-President, Commercial Distribution

"Just because WestJet has been successful in the past is no guarantee that we will be successful in the future. This is why we work hard to adapt and evolve our business model to continue to extract a competitive advantage in the marketplace."

Dr. Hugh Dunleavy became Executive Vice-President of Commercial Distribution and IT in September 2006. Commercial Distribution encompasses sales, distribution (including web, Call Centres and GDS), cargo, WestJet Vacations and information technology. Hugh and his team make certain that WestJet's seats are available for sale across all channels, that the fares are competitive in each market and that we continue to profitably grow WestJet's business year over year. Hugh's responsibility for IT means that he is also responsible for ensuring that all of our technology infrastructure, business applications and communications infrastructure are implemented in a robust and scalable environment to operate at optimal levels to maintain the operational integrity of WestJet as we continue to grow and expand our business.

Hugh joined WestJet in January 2005 as Vice-President, Revenue. He quickly introduced changes to both the revenue management and network planning strategies resulting in significant improvements to WestJet's financial performance indicators including an increase in load factor, yield and revenue per available seat mile.

Hugh has been working in the airline industry for over 25 years and has a solid reputation for delivering high quality results. Prior to joining WestJet, Hugh held senior management positions at PROS (Passenger Revenue Optimization Systems), Star Alliance and Lufthansa Systems. He has a PhD in Theoretical Physics with an undergraduate degree in Physics from Sheffield University in the UK. Ever the academic, Hugh has also held the position of Professor of Operations Management at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University.

Hugh believes that life is a journey and that we should ensure we enjoy every day we have. His favourite WestJet destinations are Hawaii and Florida.


Bob Cummings
Executive Vice-President, Guest Experience and Marketing

"WestJet's people driven differentiation is evident on every flight. There is no place I would be more proud to work. I feel very fortunate!"

"Fundamentals drive success. We deliver a remarkable guest experience at a reasonable price."

Bob Cummings became Executive Vice-President of Guest Experience and Marketing in September, 2006. Responsible for revenue management, scheduling and network planning, marketing and communications, strategic planning, business development, cultural activation and guest experience, Bob and his team ensure that planning, pricing, scheduling, products, external and internal communications, cultural events and guest experience are all integrated to support the WestJet brand.

Bob joined WestJet in March 2005 as Vice-President, Marketing and quickly mobilized his team to create the Owners advertising campaign. This campaign has since become the most successful brand communications platform in WestJet history. Bob's strategic insight, proven leadership and attention to detail has led to development of significant capabilities and demonstrable results in advertising, product development and management, research and guest experience. More recently, Bob has provided leadership, guidance and support to WestJet's high-performing strategic planning, pricing, revenue management, network and scheduling areas. The competencies and market-driven actions of these areas have received notable external accolades in recent quarters. Bob is extremely proud that WestJet has been named one of Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures four years in a row (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008).

Bob was named Canada's top marketing executive by Canadian Business magazine in 2008.

A native of Edmonton, Bob achieved his undergraduate degree in 1989 from the University of Victoria, followed by his MBA from Queen's University in 1992. Bob worked for over eight years in the wireless industry in Canada and was instrumental in the quick penetration of mobile phone service within Romania. In Romania, he led the building of, and oversaw business development and several of the marketing functions, for Mobifon (now Vodafone).

WestJet's caring, friendly and appreciative brand attributes align perfectly with Bob's personal values. Bob believes in Ohana (family comes first). Bob is married with two girls and enjoys nothing more than seeing excitement and joy on his daughters' faces, whether they are at Disney World or playing hockey. Not surprisingly, Bob's favourite WestJet destinations are Orlando and Los Angeles.




Ken McKenzie
Executive Vice-President, Operations

"I never tire of folks telling me why they love working at WestJet and I couldn't agree with them more - it's the people."

"It doesn't matter if you win or lose - until you lose."

His heart may belong in the clouds, but WestJet's Executive Vice-President, Operations, always has at least one foot firmly planted on the ground. Ken McKenzie joined the WestJet team as Director, Regulatory Affairs in April 2005, and quickly moved to the position of Vice-President, Operational Development in December of the same year. As director, Ken was instrumental in the successful negotiation of the WestJet Pilots' Agreement, while his team rationalized the structure of Flight Operations, significantly enhancing its efficiency.

In September 2006, Ken McKenzie was appointed Executive Vice President, Operations for WestJet. In this role Ken oversees WestJet's airport operations, flight operations, fleet planning, government relations, inflight and technical operations.

Ken holds an Airline Transport Licence, his Commercial Helicopter Licence and is qualified as a pilot on WestJet's Next-Generation Boeing 737s, providing a spectrum of valuable insight to his role as EVP, Operations, at WestJet. In fact, it's a high-flying role he's been preparing for his whole career. Graduating from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts in Management, Ken pursued his love of flying in the Canadian Armed Forces, functioning as Officer in Charge of the Rescue Coordination Centre (Trenton) and Canadian Mission Control Centre.

On his way to the top, he has been responsible for Regulatory Affairs at Air Canada Jazz, worked as Program Director for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in West Africa, as well as Chief Executive Officer of a Vancouver security service.

When he isn't behind a WestJet desk or piloting a WestJet 737, Ken can be found spending time sailing with his two daughters and Sonia, his wife of 22 years. Ken is also an active board member of the Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society and sits on the Calgary Zoo Board of Directors. His favourite WestJet destinations are Victoria, Halifax and Maui.



Vito Culmone
Executive Vice-President, Finance, CFO

"I feel quite privileged to be working for an organization that is unique in many special ways and is succeeding in an otherwise difficult industry."

"At WestJet, we've hit upon an exceptional formula that combines a low cost structure with a high value proposition to position us to create long term benefits for our shareholders, WestJetters and guests."

Vito Culmone became Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice-President, Finance, in 2007. He is responsible for the overall financial management of WestJet and its financial reporting, as well as for multiple corporate functions including the controllership, treasury, investor relations, legal, purchasing and planning. The finance group also provides strategic business advice for WestJet, ultimately creating value for our shareholders.

Vito obtained his Chartered Accountant designation while at Price Waterhouse and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto. He has worked in a number of business environments, most recently as Vice-President Commercial Finance at Molson Canada. During his 12-year career at Molson Inc., Vito worked both domestically and internationally in various senior leadership roles and has significant experience in negotiating, evaluating and leading strategic investment opportunities for the purpose of creating shareholder value. His previous roles at Molson included Vice-President, Controller and Corporate Finance, Molson Inc. (pre-merger with Coors) and Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Molson USA.

Vito is a firm believer in living life to its fullest and that includes finding work that you are passionate about. He is the father of two children, Michael and Emily, and his favourite WestJet destination is the Hawaiian Islands.



Ferio Pugliese
Executive Vice-President, People

"I have come across many organizations that talk about the importance of values and culture. At WestJet we do more than talk about it, we LIVE IT! Our award-winning culture drives a great guest experience every day. That's only because we have the right people on our team. That's what makes me a proud WestJetter."

"When you believe in your people and empower them to do the right thing, make sure you fasten your seatbelt and are ready to take off!"

"In this competitive industry we can never lose sight of the things that are fundamentally important to sustaining and growing our business for the long term. As a people driven company, focused on being an industry leader, we are soaring to new heights and landing on great opportunities every day — that's the spirit of WestJet."

Ferio Pugliese became WestJet's Executive Vice-President of People on June 11, 2007 and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the airline's people (human resource) programs for more than 7,300 WestJetters. Ferio and his team diligently define and execute people plans that support WestJet's culture and strategic direction.

A certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP), Ferio holds a Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University, an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Windsor. Ferio is a member of the Conference Board of Canada's National Human Resources Executive council and has worked in various senior leadership roles. His experience includes facilitating organizational effectiveness and business transformation as well as implementing positive employee relations, talent management and compensation programs that recognize and leverage talent at all organizational levels. Prior to joining WestJet, Ferio's previous roles included Vice-President of Human Resources at Catalyst Paper Corporation in Vancouver, Director of Human Resources Development at Windsor Casino Ltd., and Director of Human Resources Development at Casino Rama, Carnival Resorts and Casinos.

In 2007, Ferio was recognized by Caldwell Partners as one of Canada's Top 40 Under 40. With a passion for business, Ferio believes in always pushing your comfort zone and believing in yourself and the people around you, so that together you can reach new heights. Originally from northern Ontario, Ferio loves the great game of hockey. As avid skiers, Ferio, his wife Pam and two children Nicholas and Nathan are enjoying life in western Canada. Ferio's favourite WestJet destinations include Nassau, Maui and Vancouver.

Board of

Directors

Board of Directors

Clive J. Beddoe
Calgary, Alberta

Clive Beddoe is a founding shareholder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of WestJet. In September 2007, Clive was appointed WestJet Chairman having previously held the roles of President and Chief Executive Officer. Clive has been instrumental in making WestJet one of the most successful airlines in recent aviation history.

Clive's keen business acumen has shaped the development of WestJet's corporate culture, executive team and strategy. A true entrepreneur, Clive's strong background in financial planning and strategic management was gained through several successful real estate and plastics enterprises.

In 2000, Clive and his fellow WestJet founders received the Worldwide Award for Teamwork at the World Entrepreneur of the Year celebrations. In 2001, he received the Pinnacle Award, and in that same year, WestJet was awarded the "Business Ethics" award from the Better Business Bureau of Southern Alberta. In 2002 and 2003, WestJet was named one of Canada's most respected companies, and in 2003, WestJet received the Most Respected Corporation title for Innovative Practices from Alberta Venture Magazine. In 2004, Clive received the prestigious Canadian Business Leader Award from the University of Alberta Faculty of Business and the Business Advisory Council.

Clive is a resident of Calgary, having immigrated to Canada from England in 1970. Married with two children, Clive is a private pilot licensed to fly numerous types of aircraft. It was through this keen interest in aviation that spurred the formation of WestJet.

Sean Durfy
Calgary, Alberta

Sean Durfy became WestJet President in September 2006 and added Chief Executive Officer to his title in September 2007. As President and CEO, Sean is responsible for both the strategic direction of the company and the day-to-day operations of the airline, leading its over 6,000 people as they deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Sean joined WestJet's Executive team in 2004 as Executive Vice-President Sales, Marketing and Airports. His work in sales and marketing increased the airline's profile and saw WestJet named one of the top three brands of the year, earning Sean the honour of Marketer of the Year.

Since Sean's arrival at WestJet, the airline has grown domestic market share five per cent, expanded its presence in the transborder and international market, and increased its product offering with items such as pay-per-view in-flight movies and buy-on-board food. In 2007, WestJet will break $2 billion in gross revenue, entering the big league of airline players.

Before WestJet, Sean served as President and Chief Operating Officer of ENMAX Energy Corporation and as an Officer of ENMAX Corporation, from April 1999 until December 2004. In this time, he successfully started ENMAX Energy and guided the company through the deregulation of Alberta's electricity industry, positioning it as a profit leader in the North American electricity market.

Born and raised in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Sean grew up in Atlantic Canada, graduating from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Commerce, in Marketing and Finance. An avid runner, skier and sports enthusiast, Sean believes success comes from the proper life balance of physical health, family and career. A father of two, Sean's favourite WestJet destinations to vacation with his family include Maui and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Don Hougan
Calgary, Alberta

Don Hougan joined WestJet in 1999 as a First Officer and became a Captain in 2000. He has been an active member of WestJet's Pro-Active Communications Team (PACT), WestJet's employee representation, through the WestJet Pilots' Association. He was elected PACT Chairman in February 2007 and joined the Board of Directors in May of the same year as the PACT representative.

Don started his flying career in 1975 at Mount Royal College in Calgary, graduating from a two-year program with an Aviation Diploma. His first job as a pilot was in Yellowknife as a First Officer with LaRonge Aviation and subsequently with Dome Petroleum. Don received his Boeing 737 endorsement in 1986.

After eight years running his own bottled water company, taking it through an IPO in 1995, Don returned to flying in 1996 as a Twin Otter pilot. Don is married with two adult children. His daughter currently attends university and his son will be a fourth generation aviator on completion of his flight training.

Allan Jackson
Calgary, Alberta

Mr. Jackson is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Arci Ltd., a real estate investment company, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Enterprises Inc., a holding and consulting company.

Mr. Jackson's near 40 years of business experience is a welcome addition to WestJet's Board of Directors. Mr. Jackson has brought to WestJet's Board knowledge from his experiences serving on the Board of Directors for Canadian Western Bank, Princeton Developments Ltd., and the Calgary Centre for Performing Arts, Member Building Committee.

Mr. Jackson joined WestJet's Board of Directors in September 2003.

Murph Hannon
Calgary, Alberta

Mr. Hannon is currently President of Murcon Development Ltd., a private investment company engaged in oil and gas exploration, real estate development and various manufacturing and product development businesses.

Mr. Hannon has been involved for over 25 years in various entrepreneurial enterprises including hotel, condominium and single family real estate development, as well as the start-up and development of junior oil and gas companies.
Mr. Hannon was also President of Canadian Hydrodynamics Ltd., the largest supplier of drill stem test information to the Canadian oil industry. In addition to WestJet, Mr. Hannon serves in either a Board or Advisory capacity to the following public and private companies: Berkana Energy Corp. (formerly Rosetta Exploration Inc.), Annapolis Investment Limited Partnership II, FX Energy Inc. and Riley Park Village Properties.

Mr. Hannon has been involved with WestJet since its initial conception and has been a member of the Board of Directors since December 1996.

Wilmot Matthews
Toronto, Ontario

Mr. Matthews has been involved in all aspects of investment banking by serving in various positions with Nesbitt Burns Inc. and its predecessor companies from 1964 until his retirement in September, 1996, most recently as Vice Chairman and Director.

Mr. Matthews is currently President of Marjad Inc., a personal investment company. He is Chairman and CEO of Helptrain Inc. a sales, marketing, E-learning and E-business process company. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Husky Energy Ltd. as well as several other private companies and clubs.

Mr. Matthews joined WestJet's Board of Directors in December 1996.

L.M. (Larry) Pollock
Edmonton, Alberta

Larry Pollock is the President and Chief Executive Officer of both the Canadian Western Bank and Canadian Western Trust. He is also a Director of Canadian Direct Insurance (a subsidiary of CWB), EPCOR, Canadian Helicopters Income Trust, and the Edmonton Eskimos, and is a member of the Executive Council of the Canadian Bankers' Association and Campaign Chair of the Edmonton YMCA.

Mr. Pollock graduated from the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Arts & Sciences in Business Administration.

Mr. Pollock joined WestJet's Board of Directors in September 1999.

Arthur Scace
Toronto, Ontario

Mr. Scace is a former Chairman of McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Barristers and Solicitors in Toronto. Mr. Scace is currently the non-executive Chairman of The Bank of Nova Scotia, and has served on the boards of numerous public companies, including The Canada Life Assurance Company, Gerdau Ameristeel and various companies within The Brompton Group of Companies. He is Past President and Chairman of the Canadian Opera Company.

Mr. Scace joined WestJet's Board of Directors in September 2005.

Hugh Bolton
Edmonton, Alberta

Mr. Bolton is a Chartered Accountant and Fellow of the Alberta Institute of Chartered Accountants, and the former Chairman, CEO and partner in Coopers & Lybrand Canada, Chartered Accountants.

Mr. Bolton is currently the non-executive Chair of EPCOR Utilities Inc. and the Lead Director of Matrikon Inc. He is also a board member of the Canadian National Railway Company, Teck Cominco Limited and TD Bank Financial Group.

Mr. Bolton joined WestJet's Board of Directors in September 2005.

Brett Godfrey
Brisbane, Australia

Mr. Godfrey is the co-founder and CEO of Virgin Blue Airlines in Australia. In the early ‘90s, Mr. Godfrey began his Virgin career as Finance Manager for Virgin Atlantic. He was Financial Controller for Sherrard/National Jet in Melbourne, and worked as a Chartered Accountant with Touche Ross in the firm’s Canadian office. Mr. Godfrey holds a business degree from Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia and is an award winning leader.

Mr. Godfrey joined WestJet’s Board of Directors in August 2006.

Last changed at 10-Feb-2009 10:47AM