Features Airlines
Taylor becomes WestJet interim CEO

The WestJet Group today announced Harry Taylor will assume the interim role of President and Chief Executive Officer, with a transition period taking place between late November and mid-December 2021. Current WestJet CEO Ed Sims announced his retirement on June 9, 2021.

“Our global search for a permanent CEO continues, and on behalf of WestJet and the board, we are grateful Harry has stepped up to help us through this critical transition,” said Chris Burley, Chair, WestJet Group Board. “Harry has been an integral part of our pandemic planning and recovery, and it is his painstaking attention to our finances and his unique perspective that helped us through.”

Taylor joined WestJet in 2015 as Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. During this time, WestJet explains he led the airline’s inaugural U.S. bond issue, negotiated the purchase of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing MAX aircraft, and was instrumental in the sale of WestJet to Onex.

“It is a tremendous honour to be asked to serve as interim CEO for the WestJet Group and I look forward to leading our organization through this crucial phase of our recovery,” said Taylor. “There is much work to be done, while we continue our search for a permanent CEO.

With Taylor serving as interim CEO, Jennifer Bue, WestJet’s current Vice-President, Finance Planning & Analysis, will serve as interim CFO. Bue joined WestJet in 2008 and has held various leadership roles in corporate planning, treasury, accounting and was head of finance at Swoop.

Prior to WestJet, Bue worked at Deloitte and at RBC in equity research. She holds designations as a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst and has a Master of Professional Accounting and a Bachelor of Commerce.

“Jenn’s knowledge and experience, combined with her invaluable leadership throughout the pandemic, will enable her to be a terrific leader as we continue to rebuild our airline and deliver on our growth strategy,” said Taylor.