WestJet has announced that executive vice-president, chief operating officer (COO) and president of WestJet Airlines, Diederik Pen, plans to retire, with his departure expected no later than the first quarter of 2027.
The airline said Pen will remain in his current role while a global search for his successor takes place and will be actively involved in ensuring a smooth transition.
"I respect Diederik's decision to retire for personal reasons; WestJetters, including myself, will miss his abundance of care, energy and leadership. 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," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of WestJet.
"Among his many accomplishments 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 oversaw airline operations during the industry's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. During his tenure, he helped lead the carrier's operational ramp-up as travel demand returned and played a key role in several major initiatives.
According to WestJet, Pen negotiated a number of labour agreements and led major operational changes, including the integration of both Swoop and Sunwing Airlines into the broader WestJet network.
The airline also credited him with strengthening relationships across the aviation sector, including his role as WestJet's accountable executive with Transport Canada.
"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 said he plans to spend more time with his family and continue pursuing social impact initiatives through his board involvement with LiveDifferent.
WestJet has not yet named a successor, but said the search process is already underway.
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