Calgary, Alberta, Canada, October 2, 2024 – The WestJet Group has appointed Jacqui McGillivray as its new Executive Vice-President and Chief People Officer (CPO), effective October 7, 2024. With over 30 years of experience in transforming global organizations, McGillivray will succeed Angela Avery, who announced her retirement earlier this year. Avery will remain in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition.
“Jacqui brings a wealth of HR and organizational change experience, along with a notable track record of leading results-oriented, multi-disciplinary, and culturally strong teams in unlocking value and sustaining growth,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. “We are thrilled to welcome Jacqui at this vital time as we look to build on the momentum of our growth strategy. She will be instrumental in further fostering and developing the people and performance centric culture at WestJet. We are deeply appreciative to Angela, who led WestJet through a pivotal recovery period and has established a strong foundation for us to write the next chapter, we wish her all the best in retirement.”
McGillivray is an accomplished executive leader who has served as a trusted advisor to CEOs and Boards. In her most recent role as Executive Vice-President, Chief People and Social Impact Officer at Element Fleet Management, McGillivray was instrumental in the transformation that took the organization to top quartile employee engagement and client retention, while developing a performance culture that placed the company in the top five per cent of companies within the TSX Composite index.
McGillivray’s prior roles include, Executive Vice-President, Safety and Organization Effectiveness at Cenovus Energy, Head of Global Human Resources at Talisman Energy, and Vice-President, HR, Brand & Marketing for the Global Wealth Management division of RBC Royal Bank.
“As a Calgary resident for the past 14 years, I have been closely following WestJet’s journey and recent strategic shift; I am incredibly impressed by the discipline and resolve of the leadership team to solidify WestJet’s longstanding reputation as the home carrier of the West and the leading Canadian value and leisure airline, in service of affordable air travel for Canadians,” said Jacqui McGillivray. “I am thrilled to join this Canadian aviation success story and to play a part in a bright and sustainable future for our guests, our people and the communities we serve.”
About WestJet
Founded in 1996, WestJet has grown into one of Canada’s premier airlines, providing scheduled services to over 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Europe. With a fleet of nearly 200 aircraft, including Boeing 737s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the WestJet Group is a leader in value and leisure air travel.
Recognized as Best Airline in Canada (2017-19) and among North America’s favourite mid-sized airlines in 2019, WestJet is also one of Canada’s best employers as per Forbes magazine in 2024. The airline is dedicated to enriching communities, actively engaging with local organizations and national charitable partners.
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