Executive, WestJet

"The airline industry is a fascinating puzzle. When you put the pieces together correctly as WestJet has, it's a beautiful picture."

"Every industry has a winner. In the North American airline industry, winning is based on past performance and WestJet's financial and guest performance speaks for itself."

Sean Durfy became WestJet President in September 2006 and Chief Executive Officer in September 2007. As President and CEO, Sean was responsible for both the strategic direction of the company and the day-to-day operations of the airline, leading over 7,300 WestJetters as they deliver an exceptional guest experience.

Sean joined WestJet's Executive team in 2004 as Executive Vice-President Sales, Marketing and Airports. His work in sales and marketing increased the airline's profile and saw WestJet named one of the top three brands of the year, earning Sean the honour of Marketer of the Year.

Since Sean's arrival at WestJet, the airline has grown domestic market share by eight per cent, expanded its presence in the transborder and international markets, and has signed a memorandum of understanding to build a distribution and codeshare agreement with U.S. based Southwest Airlines. Today, WestJet is the most profitable airline in North America and the fourth most profitable in the world. In 2008, it will reach approximately $2.5 billion in gross revenue.

Before WestJet, Sean served as President and Chief Operating Officer of ENMAX Energy Corporation and as an Officer of ENMAX Corporation, from April 1999 until December 2004. In this time, he successfully led ENMAX Energy and guided the company through the deregulation of Alberta's electricity industry, positioning it as a profit leader in the North American electricity market.

Born and raised in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Sean grew up in Atlantic Canada, graduating from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing and Finance. An avid runner, skier and sports enthusiast, Sean believes success comes from the proper life balance of physical health, family and career. He and his much better half, Tracy, have two children, Kennedy and Reilly. Sean's favourite WestJet destinations to vacation with his family include Maui, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and Palm Springs, California.