A runway for growth: WestJet’s plans to connect B.C. with the world

About the Speaker

Gregg Saretsky became WestJet President and Chief Executive Officer in April 2010. As President and CEO, Gregg is responsible for both the strategic direction of the company and the day-to-day operations of the airline. Gregg was named Alberta's Business Person of the Year for 2012 by Alberta Venture magazine, an award he accepted on behalf of all 9,000 WestJetters who work hard each and every day to deliver a remarkable guest experience. In 2013, Gregg was also named Top New CEO of the Year by Canadian Business Magazine, an award bestowed on a CEO who has transformed his company within the first five years of his appointment. In addition, Gregg received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Concordia University in 2014 and was the recipient of the David Foster Foundation Visionary Award as Canada's National Business Leader of the Year in 2015.

Gregg joined WestJet in June 2009 as Vice-President, WestJet Vacations, before being named Executive Vice-President, Operations, in October 2009. In this capacity, Gregg was responsible for flight operations, inflight service, airport guest services, WestJet's operations control centre, and technical operations (maintenance).

Gregg began his career in aviation with Canadian Airlines in 1985 and rose through the ranks to the position of Vice-President, Airports, and Vice-President, Marketing, before joining Alaska Airlines in 1998 as Senior Vice-President, Marketing & Planning, and then Executive Vice-President of Flight Operations and Marketing, responsible for the airline's flight crews, operations, and consumer programs and activities. Gregg led the development of Alaska Airlines' alliance strategy and was instrumental in building new airline and tour operator partnerships. Gregg is currently a board member of the Conference Board of Canada and vice-chair of the board of alumni for the University of British Columbia.

Born and raised in Montreal, Gregg grew up in Quebec and British Columbia, graduating from UBC with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and a Master's Degree in Business Administration. An avid globe-trotter, Gregg has visited more than 255 cities in 36 countries and is still working to master French and Spanish language skills. Gregg and his wife, Debb, enjoy skiing and travelling with their children Mark, Jennifer, Chris and Bobby.