Montréal, Québec, Canada, June 2025 – Ray Kazan has been elevated to the role of Vice President, HR – Talent Management at CAE, a global leader in training and simulation solutions for aviation and defense. In his new role, Ray will be responsible for driving enterprise-wide strategies in talent acquisition, development, succession planning, leadership enablement, and employee engagement across CAE’s global workforce.
Ray’s journey at CAE spans over nine years, during which he has held several progressively senior roles. Most recently, he served as Senior Director, Talent Management, where he led a comprehensive talent strategy that encompassed Talent Acquisition, Talent Practices, Talent Development, and Change Management. Notably, he spearheaded CAE’s succession planning efforts, launched a global Talent Acquisition transformation, and developed a leadership curriculum enhancing capabilities from entry-level to executive leaders. His leadership also helped strengthen CAE’s employer branding, integrate AI tools in onboarding, and enhance gender diversity in key roles.
Prior to that, he was Global Senior Human Resources Director – Flight Services, where he acted as a strategic partner to the Executive Leadership Team. He led HR integration for CAE’s largest acquisition involving three global tech companies and played a pivotal role in workforce planning, organizational design, and building a high-performing HR team. His leadership helped establish inclusive practices and culture transformation in multiple geographies.
Ray previously served as Global HR Director for Business Aviation and Helicopter Training, where he led HR strategy across global operations and drove DE&I, COVID-19 response projects, and performance management transformations. He also co-led the Women Leadership Program and served as Vice President of the LGBTQ2+ Employee Resource Group.
Earlier in his career, he was Regional HR Manager for Emirates CAE in the Middle East and India, where he designed a performance management system, launched employee experience platforms like OfficeVibe, and introduced diversity-focused interventions. He also built capability-building programs and led regional compensation initiatives.
Before joining CAE, Ray worked at Diageo in roles including HR Manager – Global Travel Market and Regional HR Officer – MENA, where he managed recruitment, compensation, compliance, and implemented the Workday HR platform. He began his HR journey at MAN Enterprise, ICTN, ZFactory Lebanon, and as an intern at IHG Hotels & Resorts, where he developed early expertise in talent engagement and operations.
About CAE
CAE is a global technology company at the forefront of training and simulation for aviation, defense, and healthcare. With approximately 13,000 employees across 240 sites in over 40 countries, CAE delivers high-fidelity simulators and mission-critical training programs that prepare professionals for high-stakes moments. Founded nearly 80 years ago, the company continues to innovate in simulation, operational support, and safety while embedding sustainability into its mission. CAE partners with global airlines, defense forces, and healthcare providers to enhance human performance through advanced technology.
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