How long have you been in the business? 20 years – my first job was with Greyhound as marketing analyst, in Calgary.
What’s the best part of the job? The people I work with.
What did you want to be as a kid? A pilot.
Ever had a brush with fame? Lots! Theo Fleury, football players, politicians.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Flying on a domestic airline in Cuba – on a 1957 Russian biplane that I think was held together with glue.
Any guilty pleasures? Cappuccinos.
What’s your favourite airline – apart from Westjet, of course! Let’s go with Emirates.
What do people not know about you? That I was born in South Africa. We moved to Canada when I was 7.
What keeps you awake at night? Being able to continue the growth we see at WestJet.
What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? Fuel.
Whom do you most respect in the industry? Dan Cotter, who has passed away. He was V.P. at Canadian Airlines. I learned about managing and how to treat people from him.
If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be? Less capacity.
They say that keeping staff is one of the biggest challenges in our business. What is it WestJet does to retain staff? Treat people with respect.
If you could sit next to anyone on a long haul flight who would it be? My Dad.
What’s your worst habit? Procrastination. I don’t smoke or drink, so…
What’s your favourite destination? Palm Springs – I’m in the departure lounge right now waiting for a flight there!
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? Golfing.
