WestJet Group names Pen as airline President

The WestJet Group today announced the appointment of Diederik Pen as President of WestJet Airlines effective April 1, 2024. As WestJet Group Chief Operating Officer and President of WestJet Airlines, Pen will continue to report to Alexis von Hoensbroech, the WestJet Group's Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech will continue to maintain overall responsibility for the WestJet Group and its strategic direction.

"Diederik's experience as a respected leader, with a track record of operational success, will be critical as we continue our growth strategy, including the integration of Sunwing Airlines," said von Hoensbroech. "With the largest narrow-body aircraft order book in Canada, it is critical we optimize safe and reliable performance for our business, as we deliver more affordable options and better connectivity to Canadians."

Since joining the WestJet Group in October of 2021, as Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Pen has been instrumental in enhancing the operational performance of the Group. Leading operations into recovery, he has been influential across airline operations, inflight, airports, technical operations, labour relations, safety, crew resources and training. As WestJet Group Chief Operating Officer and President of WestJet Airlines, Pen will be responsible for the Group's day-to-day operations, successful labour negotiations and overall operational reliability that WestJet guests expect. He will also assume the role of the Transport Canada Accountable Executive.

"Across the past three years, WestJetters have demonstrated their relentless commitment to the travel needs of Canadians and the performance of our airline. I am incredibly grateful to work alongside such a dedicated, innovative and passionate team," said Pen. "As we lean into the momentum of a financially and operationally strong 2023 and focus on the WestJet Group's future growth, it has never been more important that we continue to work together to increase our reliability and performance."

Prior to joining WestJet, Pen brought with him more than 25 years of aviation-industry experience from the Asia-Pacific and European regions. As an Executive Vice-President and Chief Operations Officer for multiple airlines he drove significant expansions, while overseeing operations for fast-growing, ultra-low-cost businesses.