Calgary Airport Authority’s president & CEO, Bob Sartor, announced that he is preparing to pass the top job into the hands of a new leader later this year.
Sartor stepped into the role on January 1, 2017 with a mission to make transformational changes to culture, relationships and financial sustainability. At that time, the authority had just opened the new international terminal and Canada’s longest runway. In the years that followed, Sartor guided the authority to record-setting passenger numbers and cargo volumes and expanded YYC’s connection network across the world.
By the end of 2019, at the peak of its performance, the authority was contributing more than $8 billion to the region’s GDP. Then, in February 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic derailed the entire industry. Sartor demonstrated strong, stable leadership during an unprecedented time. He championed the airport and its people by leading a successful $2 billion debt restructuring that has positioned YYC to remain a vital hub for the city and province’s growth long into the future. He also elevated Calgary’s voice on a national level during his time as chair of the Canadian Airports Council Large Airports Caucus.
“Consistent with his decades of experience as a change agent, Bob had always planned to make a mark during his tenure and then hand over the role,” said Matt Heffernan, board chair for the Calgary Airport Authority. “Though we are sad to see him leave, we are grateful that he accomplished the goals he set out to achieve, including the strides he made in modernizing leadership, finances, and partnerships over his tenure.”
"Five years ago, I took on this role because I saw the potential and opportunity in the authority and its people," said Sartor. "I am most proud of the evolution the team has made to becoming a guest-focused market competitor. I am leaving appreciative of what has been accomplished in my time with the authority and looking forward to seeking new challenges in the next stage of my career.”
The board has formed a search committee and will launch a global search to find a successor. Sartor will remain in his role and work with the board on a transition strategy that ensures the organization has the leadership and stability needed throughout the transition process.
The board expects the transition to a new CEO to be completed by the end of the year. An RFP for
executive search firms will be issued in the coming days.
