Tom Ruth, president and CEO of Canadian airport operator Edmonton Airports, has decided to leave his position at the end of 2022.
The board of Edmonton Airports intends to launch a global search for Ruth’s successor immediately, starting with a request for proposal (RFP) for an executive search firm. In the meantime, Ruth will remain 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.
Under his leadership, EIA has seen growth in 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. Ruth has also advanced the development of the Airport City Sustainability Campus at EIA, with more than US$1.3bn in private investment, including hotels, a casino, shopping centers and major business and innovation developments including a five-year innovation expansion strategy. He 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 solar farm Airport City Solar at the airport. According to the board, Ruth also provided strong and stable leadership during the pandemic and consistently put health and safety first as he led the airport through Covid-19.
Ruth said, “I’m so proud to work with such a strong team of dedicated, passionate employees at our airports. It has been an honor 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-19. 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.”
Joan Hertz, chair of the board of directors of Edmonton Airports, said, “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. 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.”
