More than a year into a new network strategy, WestJet has moved leaps and bounds to be the home-town carrier of Western Canada and North America’s leading leisure and vacations provider. With future growth underpinned by a significant order book and a multi-billion-dollar deal to purchase an additional 42 Boeing 737-10 aircraft, with options for 22 more, WestJet is also investing in its talented leadership team with the appointment of Jeff Hagen, as Vice-President, Commercial Development & Strategic Partnerships and the promotion of Aaron McKay to Vice-President, Fleet & Treasurer.
Commercial Development & Strategic Partnerships
As part of a newly formed role, Hagen will oversee and lead the airline’s long-term commercial strategy, in alignment with WestJet's overall strategic direction. Building new relationships and enhancing partnerships, Hagen will drive growth and optimize revenue across the organization, propelling WestJet forward as a low-cost, leading leisure carrier.
“In Jeff’s tenure at WestJet, he has held a number of diverse roles across the company, where he has been nothing short of instrumental in achieving key company milestones through his exemplary leadership,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “As Jeff transitions to the commercial team, his experience and guidance will be crucial in delivering growth, enhancing WestJet’s brand and enabling our low-cost foundation.”
Hagen is entering his ninth year at WestJet, with prior experience in Corporate Development, Financial Planning and Analysis, Investor Relations and most recently, Corporate Strategy and Fleet Planning. During this time, he played a critical role in the airline’s purchase by Onex and the acquisition of Sunwing.
Fleet & Treasury
As WestJet’s fleet continues to evolve and expand, McKay takes on his new role at a pivotal time, combining Treasury with Fleet planning. With a focus on driving long-term value and supporting WestJet’s strategy of enhancing its presence in Western Canada, increasing coast-to-coast connectivity and sustaining its position as Canada’s leading leisure carrier, McKay will oversee WestJet’s fleet expansion plans underpinning the airline’s strategic direction and further enhancing its low-cost roots.
“I am thrilled to witness Aaron’s diverse and complimentary skillset in action in his new role, as he manages WestJet’s most integral assets, our fleet, while balancing our cost management to ensure WestJet’s growth is executed responsibly enabling us to deliver affordable and accessible air travel to Canadians for years to come,” said Mike Scott, WestJet Chief Financial Officer. “Aaron brings with him a wealth of experience in asset and capital management, along with unparalleled leadership skills that will ensure that our low-cost priorities are at the forefront of every decision we make as an organization.”
As a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), with over 12 years of financial management and capital markets experience, McKay returned to WestJet earlier this year, after previously working with the airline for more than eight years, including critical roles in Corporate Planning, Treasury, Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis.
