EDMONTON, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors for Edmonton Airports announced today that Tom Ruth has decided to leave his position as President and CEO at the end of 2022.
During his nine-year tenure, Tom has been a visionary leader, inspiring major changes, growth and innovation, and imagining something much bigger than a traditional airport.
Under his leadership, EIA has seen significant growth in both passenger and air cargo service, connecting the Edmonton Metropolitan Region with direct flights to over 50 destinations within Canada, the US and Europe and cargo to and from Asia. Tom has also advanced development of the Airport City Sustainability Campus at EIA, with more than $1.3 billion dollars in private investment, including hotels, a casino, shopping centres, major business and innovation developments including its five-year Innovation Expansion strategy. Tom has overseen the development of technology and agriculture accelerators connecting local and international businesses to new markets. As a leader in sustainability, EIA will soon welcome Airport City Solar, the largest solar farm at an airport in the world. Tom also provided strong and stable leadership during the pandemic and he consistently put health and safety first as he led the airport through COVID-19.
“I'm so proud to work with such a strong team of dedicated, passionate employees at our airports. It has been an honour and a pleasure to lead Edmonton International Airport and Villeneuve Airport for the past nine years, and when my time wraps at the end of 2022 I will look back and treasure this time in my career. We have accomplished so much together at our airports creating positive economic impact and sustainable jobs within our vibrant Edmonton Region. We grew air service and international cargo capacity, attracted more than a billion dollars of private investment to our region and accelerated our bold ESG initiatives even during the challenges of COVID. I want to thank everyone at both Edmonton International and Villeneuve Airports for their continued tireless dedication in supporting the noble vision of creating accelerated economic prosperity for everyone in the Edmonton Metro Region."
- Tom Ruth, President and CEO, Edmonton International Airport
“Tom’s impact on Edmonton Airports goes well beyond simple numbers and statistics. He’s been a game-changer. Our Board, our economic development partners, governments, our regional mayors and the entire community have benefited immensely from his leadership, his vision and his ability to imagine what’s possible and make it happen. Thanks to Tom’s leadership, EIA is well-positioned to take advantage of our bold plans for growth and innovation in the coming years.”
- Joan Hertz, Chair of the Board of Directors, Edmonton Airports
A global search for Tom’s successor will be launched immediately, starting with an RFP for an executive search firm to be issued in the coming days. Edmonton Airports is a unique and special place and the Board will be looking for a unique person to fill this special role, someone who is ready to soar with us, to build on the great foundation that’s been built, and capitalize on the tremendous opportunities ahead.
“Our President and CEO doesn’t just run an airport. They make things happen. They are a trailblazer. They drive performance and achieve results. And they do that while inspiring people inside Edmonton Airports and with our external partners. Tom will be leaving big shoes to fill.”
- Joan Hertz, Chair of the Board of Directors, Edmonton Airports
There will be many opportunities in the months ahead to recognize and celebrate Tom’s many contributions not only to Edmonton Airports but to the entire Edmonton Metro Region. In the meantime, Tom will remain front and centre as President and CEO, working closely with the Board on the search for his successor, continuing to lead all aspects of Edmonton Airports, and helping guide the transition to the next leader.
About Edmonton International Airport
Edmonton International Airport (EIA) is a self-funded, not-for-profit corporation driving economic prosperity for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. EIA is Canada’s fifth-busiest airport by passenger traffic and the largest major Canadian airport by land area. EIA's Airport City Sustainability Campus is home to companies focused on tourism, entertainment, cargo logistics, manufacturing, sustainability, and technology development and commercialization. As a result, EIA generated an economic output of over $3.2 billion and supported over 26,000 jobs pre-pandemic. At its core, EIA believes equity and diversity is a strength and creating an inclusive space is both a privilege and is a fundamental responsibility. For more information, please visit: flyeia.com, follow @flyeia on Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin or Facebook.