Gregg Saretsky wants to let you in on a few secrets, five to be precise.
Saretsky, president and CEO of WestJet, will be speaking on the topic of Engaging Employees: WestJet’s 5 Secrets to Success when he visits Abbotsford on Wednesday, March 23.
Saretsky is the second speaker in UFV president Mark Evered’s Leadership Lecture Series.
WestJet’s goal by 2016 is to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world. If net income and revenue are any indicators of success, the airline is well on its way to achieving this vision.
In February WestJet posted a 2010 net income of $136.7 million, up 39.3 per cent over a $98.2 million profit in 2009, on a 14.5 per cent jump in revenue to $2.61 billion.
WestJet is one of the most profitable airlines in North America and is also very successful at fostering a positive corporate culture, having been named one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
The airline also plays a key role in the Abbotsford economy and spurring local growth and development.
WestJet offers daily flights to Abbotsford International Airport and connects the Fraser Valley to Canada and the US and many worldwide vacation destinations.
The City of Abbotsford has identified aerospace-related industry as one of the key growth engines for the regional economy.
Saretsky became WestJet President and CEO in April 2010 after a long career in the airline industry, beginning as a route development planner with Canadian Airlines in 1985 and joining Alaska Airlines in 1998.
As WestJet CEO Saretsky is responsible for both the strategic direction of the company and day-to-day operations of the airline, leading over 8,000 WestJetters as they deliver on their promise of an exceptional guest experience.
“I’m pleased to be partnering with the City of Abbotsford to bring such a dynamic business leader to the Fraser Valley,” said UFV president Mark Evered. He will join Abbotsford Mayor George Peary in welcoming Saretsky to the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium at 5 p.m. on March 23.
“We’ve created this leadership lecture series specifically to bring in high-profile speakers of interest to the general public in our communities. Everyone is encouraged to attend this free event and participate in an ongoing community dialogue with our guest speakers, students, faculty, and staff,” said Evered.
Saretsky will also meet with UFV aircraft and business program students while visiting the Abbotsford campus earlier in the day.
UFV offers a certificate program in aircraft repair at the Aerospace Centre at Abbotsford International Airport, and aviation diploma and degree programs (BBA and General Studies) in partnership with Coastal Pacific Aviation.
The UFV Leadership Lectures Series brings the university’s strategic plan to life, reflecting the theme of Changing Lives and Building Community.
Information on UFV events is available on the UFV website www.ufv.ca or by email at betsy.terpsma@ufv.ca or call 604 854-4503.