CALGARY — The WestJet Group has announced Alexis von Hoensbroech as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Most recently serving as CEO of Austrian Airlines, von Hoensbroech will take over the reins from Harry Taylor, who assumed the role of WestJet Group’s Interim President & CEO last month. The official start date for von Hoensbroech is subject to the timing of his immigration process, which is expected to be completed before the end of Q1 in 2022. Taylor will continue in the role until that time, at which point he will resume his position as Executive Vice-President Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

On von Hoensbroech’s appointment, Chris Burley, Chairman of WestJet’s board of directors, said: “It gives me great pleasure, following our global search, to welcome Alexis to the WestJet Group as CEO. Alexis understands WestJet’s low-cost roots and the importance of cost competitiveness in our vision for the future. We’re extremely pleased to welcome Alexis to our team and into WestJet’s remarkable culture. While at Austrian Airlines, Alexis refocused the airline on its core business, lowering its cost base to address rising competition from ultra-low-cost carriers. Alexis’ direct aviation operating experience builds on a career of airline consulting and research work.”

Von Hoensbroech added: “I am really excited to be joining the WestJet team. WestJet is a remarkable success story, bringing affordable air travel to millions of Canadians. I am very much looking forward to working with the management team, the Board and all WestJetters and Swoopsters to write the next chapter of this success story, as the airline emerges from the pandemic.”

During his time at Austrian Airlines at CEO and CFO, von Hoensbroech held management responsibilities for human resources, business development corporate communications, political and legal affairs. During his early career, he spent time at The Boston Consulting Group, a management consultancy company, in Munich and Tokyo, serving clients primarily from the aviation industry. He joined the Lufthansa Group in 2005, wand eventually became head of commercial at the airline’s biggest hub before moving to Lufthansa Cargo AG.