CALGARY — WestJet Airlines (TSX:WJA) has appointed a Canadian Tire executive as its new chief financial officer.

Harry Taylor, who worked at the retailer since 2010 and before that at Holt Renfrew, The Home Depot and PepsiCo, will join the Calgary-based airline on Oct. 26.

He replaces Vito Culmone, who left in June to join Shaw Communications (TSX:SJR.B).

WestJet CEO Gregg Saretsky says Taylor’s financial background and retail and operational experience will help the country’s second-largest airline.