WestJet has announced that COO Diederik Pen will retire from the airline, with the transition expected by the first quarter of 2027 at the latest.
The airline confirmed that Pen will remain fully responsible for overseeing airline operations and leading operational teams until a successor is appointed and onboarded. WestJet has initiated a global search for a new COO, with Pen actively supporting the recruitment process to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said Pen’s leadership and operational expertise have played a significant role in strengthening the airline over the past several years.
Von Hoensbroech noted that Pen was instrumental in improving operational reliability, supporting network expansion, and enhancing safety performance across the airline. He also highlighted Pen’s contributions in guiding the company through major operational transformations and industry challenges.
Diederik Pen joined WestJet in late 2021 during a critical period for the aviation industry as airlines worldwide recovered from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his tenure, he helped oversee the safe restart and scaling of operations as passenger demand rebounded.
Pen also led several strategic initiatives, including negotiating key agreements with labour partners and managing major integration projects involving Swoop and Sunwing Airlines. WestJet said these efforts contributed to building a more resilient, efficient, and competitive airline operation.
In addition to operational leadership, Pen played an important role in strengthening industry relationships, serving as the accountable executive with Transport Canada and helping guide the airline through a period of significant transformation.
Reflecting on his career, Pen described his time at WestJet as one of the most fulfilling chapters of his nearly three decades in aviation. He said the past five years had presented unprecedented industry challenges and expressed gratitude to the airline’s employees for their resilience and dedication throughout the recovery period.
WestJet stated that further updates regarding the leadership transition and succession process will be announced at a later stage.
