Calin Rovinescu
Calin retired in February 2021 as President and CEO of Air Canada after leading the company for almost 12 years. During his tenure, he led Air Canada’s transformation into one of the world’s leading airlines and a Canadian global champion, expanding its network worldwide and producing record financial results. In addition, during this time, the company strengthened its balance sheet, created significant shareholder value, concluded long-term agreements with its key unions and turned around its pension plans.
Calin previously served as the company’s EVP, Corporate Development & Strategy and as its Chief Restructuring Officer. He was also Chair of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board from 2012-2016 and served as Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association in 2014-2015. In 2018, Calin was appointed a member of the Order of Canada for promoting various charitable causes focused on improving children’s health and well-being and for his leadership in spearheading humanitarian relief following several natural disasters. He is currently a director of Scotiabank and BCE Inc. and was recognized as Canada’s Outstanding CEO in 2013, 2016 and 2019.
From 2004 to 2009, Calin was a Co-founder and Principal of Genuity Capital Markets, an independent investment bank. Prior to 2000, he was the Managing Partner of the law firm Stikeman Elliott in Montréal, where he practiced corporate law for over 20 years and was a member of the firm’s Partnership Board and Executive Committee.
Calin holds Bachelor of law degrees from the Université de Montréal and the University of Ottawa and has been awarded six Honorary Doctorates from universities in Canada, Europe and the United States. Calin was named the 14th Chancellor of the University of Ottawa in November 2015.