Beddoe cuts back in WestJet reshuffle
Clive Beddoe has turned the presidency of WestJet over to Sean Durfy in an attempt to scale back. Beddoe (60) remains chief executive and chairman, but Durfy (40) assumes more day-to-day management. Durfy was executive vice-president of marketing, sales, and airports before this promotion.
This is Beddoe’s second attempt to cut back. The first was seven years ago when Stephen Smith, an outsider, became president. Smith’s short-lived appointment ended in acrimony.
By contrast, Durfy, who has previously been president and chief operating officer of Calgary’s Enmax Energy, has been with WestJet for two years and claims to be immersed in its culture. Analysts welcome the news of Durfy’s appointment as evidence of WestJet’s succession plan.
Brett Godfrey, chief executive of Australia’s Virgin Blue, has also become a director of WestJet.
WestJet and Virgin Blue have evolved in parallel ways and share many attributes. Godfrey and Beddoe are long-time acquaintances.
Source: Airline Business
