TORONTO — To ensure future development, Porter Airlines has announced a team reorganization that sees several of its top executives assume new roles.

Effective immediately, Robert Deluce, Porter’s founding president and CEO, is now the airline’s executive chairman, a role that enhances his existing responsibilities as a member of the board of directors while staying engaged in Porter’s core business strategies. He will remain as the company’s accountable executive for Transport Canada.

On his new role, Robert said: “My focus as executive chairman is on supporting our reorganized executive team, while still being active in certain key business areas. It’s important for me to be proactive in giving our leadership team even more direct responsibility for setting Porter’s course and I’m confident that the changes announced today are consistent with the vision we created when the airline launched in 2006.”

Michael Deluce now steps into the role of president and CEO following his stint as executive vice president and chief commercial officer. He has also been appointed as a member of Porter’s board of directors.

Don Carty has been Porter’s chairman of the board of directors since the company’s founding and will continue in this role.

“A principle responsibility for a board of directors is ensuring orderly succession planning,” said Carty. “This transition sees Robert become further involved at the board level, while allowing Michael and other senior leaders to oversee daily business activities. It is a combination of diverse experience and expertise that will serve Porter well in meeting our needs today.”

With Michael’s appointment, Kevin Jackson moves to the position of executive vice president and chief commercial officer after serving as senior vice president and chief marketing officer. In addition to his current responsibilities of marketing, communications, sales, packaged products and information technology, he will also oversee revenue management, airport operations, catering, learning and development, call centre and customer relations.

Paul Moreira remains Porter’s chief operating officer and also becomes executive vice president. Paul’s responsibilities focus closely on enhancing overall operational reliability in the critical areas of safety, flight operations and maintenance. He oversees safety, pilots, cabin crew, SOCC, technical operations, including maintenance, Porter FBO, and facilities, while reporting directly to Michael.

Additional roles on Porter’s executive team are unchanged.

Jeff Brown remains executive vice president and chief financial officer, with responsibilities for finance, people and culture, government relations and legal. Jeff also now reports directly to Michael.

Lawrence Hughes remains senior vice president, people and culture, shaping Porter’s culture and leading strategies that enhance team member training and engagement. Lawrence reports directly to Jeff Brown, with indirect reporting to the president and CEO.