Shelly De Caria, a native of Kuujjuaq, has been appointed as the interim CEO and president of Canadian North Airlines, making her the first Inuk to hold this position. The announcement was made on Monday, following the removal of Michael Rodyniuk, who had been serving as the airline’s president and CEO since July 2022.
In a statement, De Caria expressed her pride in leading an organization that is deeply connected to the community and committed to meeting the unique needs of the regions it serves. She stated, “With the unwavering support of our talented team, I am confident that we will continue to uphold our mission and make a positive impact in the communities we serve.”
De Caria, who is fluent in Inuktitut as a second language, has over a decade of leadership experience. Last month, she was appointed as the vice-president of sales, marketing, and distribution at Canadian North and will continue to fulfill this role alongside her new position as interim CEO.
The airline’s decision to change its leadership was described as part of a “strategic leadership transition” to align with its objectives. While details of the search for a permanent CEO have not been provided, Canadian North expressed gratitude to Rodyniuk for his service to the company.
Rodyniuk faced challenges during his tenure, including inquiries from community members, reporters, and politicians regarding flight schedules, travel costs, and cargo fees.
Overall, De Caria’s appointment as interim CEO represents an important milestone for Canadian North Airlines, as she becomes the first Inuk to hold a leadership position within the company.
Sources:
– Canadian North Airlines statement
– Interviews with spokesperson Annie Thomlinson
