The board of directors of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) has announced that GTAA president and CEO Howard Eng will retire in 2020 after 40 successful years as an airport executive, culminating with eight years at the helm of Canada’s largest airport.
“Howard has indicated to the board that he will be retiring in 2020,” said David Wilson, chair of the board of directors. “He has not only led Toronto Pearson to new heights, both in terms of our worldwide connectivity and the service that we provide to our valued passengers, but he has also fostered a business-like atmosphere with customers, which, in turn, has contributed to the airport’s strong performance. On behalf of the board, the 49,000 employees who work at Toronto Pearson, and the nearly 50 million passengers that we connect annually to a world of possibilities, I would like to thank Howard for his vision and leadership.”
Under Eng’s leadership, Pearson has experienced unprecedented levels of growth, passenger service and financial sustainability. Since assuming the role of CEO in 2012, total traffic at Toronto Pearson has grown by 15 million passengers. Today, Toronto Pearson is recognized by Airports Council International as the best large airport in North America for passenger experience. Pearson has also emerged as a global mega hub, joining the ranks of the top 30 international airports worldwide based on passenger numbers, and is ranked the fifth-most internationally connected airport in the world according to Official Aviation Guide’s (OAG) “Megahubs International Index 2018.”
Prior to joining the GTAA, Eng served as executive director, Airport Operations at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). During his 17-year tenure as a member of the senior management team, HKIA became one of the world’s largest international hubs and won more than 40 Best Airport awards.
The GTAA board has initiated the succession planning process to replace Eng and plans to conduct an international search, considering both internal and external candidates for the role. Korn Ferry has been selected to lead the search.
