WestJet has announced the planned retirement of Executive Vice-President, Chief Operating Officer and President of WestJet Airlines, Diederik Pen. Expected by the first quarter of 2027, his departure follows a transformative period marked by operational growth, airline integrations, and post-pandemic recovery, while a global search for his successor is underway.
CALGARY, Alberta — WestJet today announced the planned retirement of Diederik Pen, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of WestJet Group and President of WestJet Airlines. His retirement is anticipated to take place no later than the first quarter of 2027, subject to the successful onboarding of his successor.
Until then, Pen will continue to lead the airline’s operations and oversee WestJet’s operational teams. A global search for his successor is currently underway, with Pen actively involved in the process to help ensure a seamless leadership transition.
“I respect Diederik’s decision to retire for personal reasons; WestJetters, including myself, will miss his abundance of care, energy and leadership,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of WestJet Group. “As a highly respected and trusted member of our executive team, I am appreciative of Diederik’s contributions to date and have full trust in his unwavering dedication to his role through the remainder of his tenure.
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“Among his many achievements over the past five years, Diederik has been central in safety and delivering operational improvements that have allowed us to scale our network and improve our reliability. I look forward to continuing to work together until his retirement.”
Pen joined WestJet in late 2021 and played a key role in guiding the airline through its post-pandemic recovery. He led operations during a period of unprecedented industry challenges, supporting the safe restart and expansion of the airline as travel demand returned following COVID-19.
During his tenure, Pen successfully negotiated several significant agreements with labor partners and spearheaded major operational transformations, including the integration of Swoop and Sunwing Airlines. These initiatives helped create a more resilient, efficient and competitive airline while strengthening WestJet’s position within the Canadian aviation market.
A respected aviation executive with nearly three decades of industry experience, Pen has also been instrumental in strengthening relationships across the aviation sector, serving as WestJet’s accountable executive with Transport Canada and fostering a culture of strong people leadership throughout the organization.
“My time at WestJet has been among the most fulfilling of my career,” said Pen. “Nearing three decades of aviation experience, I have had the good fortune of working with remarkable aviation professionals across multiple continents. It’s been a unique last five years navigating challenges unlike any the industry has seen.
“I am grateful to have done so alongside our extraordinary, dedicated and resilient team of WestJetters, and it is deeply personal to me to ensure this team is set up for future, sustainable success.”
Following his retirement, Pen intends to spend more time with his family and continue pursuing social impact initiatives through his involvement on the Board of LiveDifferent.
WestJet said additional details regarding Pen’s successor will be announced at a later date.
