WestJet has disclosed the planned retirement of Diederik Pen, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of WestJet Group, and President of WestJet Airlines. His departure is expected no later than the first quarter of 2027, subject to the appointment and onboarding of his successor.
Until then, Pen will continue to oversee the airline and lead its operational teams. A global search for his successor is currently underway, with Pen actively involved in the selection process and committed to supporting a smooth and seamless leadership transition.
Pen joined WestJet in late 2021 and played a key role in guiding the airline through its post-pandemic recovery, overseeing the safe restart and expansion of operations as travel demand rebounded. He successfully negotiated several significant agreements with labour partners and led major operational and organisational initiatives, including the integration of Swoop and Sunwing Airlines, helping to create a more resilient, efficient and competitive airline.
Widely respected across the aviation sector, Pen has also been instrumental in strengthening relationships throughout the industry, both in his capacity as the accountable executive with Transport Canada and through his strong leadership of WestJet’s people and teams.
