Alexis von Hoensbroech begins role as CEO WestJet

The WestJet Group announced that Alexis von Hoensbroech has officially started his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

“It is my pleasure to officially welcome Alexis to the WestJet Group at this pivotal time for the business,” said Chris Burley, Chairman of WestJet’s board of directors. “With extensive experience in aviation and in leading a global airline through the pandemic, we are confident that under Alexis’ leadership his vision will accelerate the WestJet Group’s recovery.” 

“As the WestJet Group moves into its next chapter, I am thrilled to be joining this dedicated team, at such a critical time,” said von Hoensbroech. “As we forge ahead, the more than 8,500 WestJet and Swoop employees have shown admirable tenacity and determination over the last two years. Together we will emerge from the pandemic stronger, and I am excited to work alongside this incredible group, as we take WestJet and Swoop to new heights.”

Alexis von Hoensbroech, new CEO - The WestJet Group.

After obtaining a doctorate in physics, von Hoensbroech, 51, spent his early career at the management consultancy company, The Boston Consulting Group, in Munich and Tokyo, with clients primarily from the aviation industry. He joined the Lufthansa Group in 2005 as head of strategy and investment management for the airline. From there, ran various integration projects; became head of commercial at the airline's biggest hub in Frankfurt, before becoming CCO of Lufthansa Cargo AG. Most recently, as CEO and CFO of Austrian Airlines, he restructured the airline and its network to compete with ULCC competition in Austria and successfully led the company through the COVID crisis.  

“I want to give my sincerest thank you to Harry Taylor, for his exceptional leadership and contributions over the past three months,” continued Burley. “Harry successfully led and stabilized the WestJet Group through a challenging holiday season in the face of the unpredictable impact of the Omicron variant. We are grateful for Harry's dedication and continued leadership as he returns to his permanent role as WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).”

Álex Cruz (Picture credit: Stuart Bailey)

The WestJet Group announces the appointment of Álex Cruz to its Board of Directors

The WestJet Group is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Alex Cruz to its Board of Directors.

“It is my pleasure to officially welcome Álex to the WestJet Group’s Board at this moment in our history,” said Chris Burley, Chairman of the WestJet Group’s Board of Directors. “Álex’s impressive experience leading both full service and low-cost airlines make him an invaluable addition to our Board as the airline continues to improve its cost position to compete more vigorously with carriers of all sizes.”

“This appointment will help strategically position the WestJet Group as it emerges from the pandemic serving an even greater number of guests looking forward to travelling once again,” continued Burley.

Álex Cruz’s extensive experience includes his appointment in April of 2016 as the CEO and Chairman of British Airways.

Prior to that role, Mr. Cruz founded and served as the CEO of Clickair, a low-cost airline which he quickly grew before merging into Vueling in July of 2009; creating Spain's second-largest airline with 163 destinations. Under Mr. Cruz’s leadership, Vueling became one of Europe's most successful low-cost carriers. 

Mr. Cruz commenced his professional career with American Airlines, where he held a variety of management roles, before founding his own aviation consulting company, where he led projects with airlines around the world, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, Delta, Continental and Ansett Australia, as well as travel companies like lastminute.com, BAA, Swissport and Amadeus.

“I am delighted to join the WestJet Group Board of Directors. Few carriers navigated the pandemic without issuing equity or debt, or accepting sector-specific government support. It speaks to WestJet’s cost position and I look forward to helping deliver even more value for guests.”