Bob Sartor, president and CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority, will leave the organization later this year; the Authority will begin the search for the new CEO, with the goal of transitioning to new leadership by the end of 2022.
Sartor joined the Calgary Airport Authority 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, Bob guided the authority to record-setting passenger numbers and cargo volumes and expanded Calgary International Airport’s (YYC) connection network across the world. When the pandemic hit in 2000, Sartor led a successful $2 billion debt restructuring that 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 (CAC) 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.”
Sartor said he is ” 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.
