TORONTO — Sunwing Vacations Group’s President, Andrew Dawson, has made the decision to retire next year, once the winter 2025-2026 season is complete.
“Sunwing is fortunate to have such a talented, experienced and loyal team that is highly regarded throughout the industry. I can confirm that I will retire from the organization next year, in March 2026,” said Dawson in a statement.
He added that “the hardest part of my decision was breaking the news to my incredible team. At the same time, I know that, thanks to their passion and expertise, Sunwing Vacations and Vacation Express will go from strength to strength.”
Over the next year, Dawson and his team will continue to focus on the seamless integration of WestJet Vacations. “I’m committed to leaving on a high note once the integration is complete, while welcoming new colleagues and readying the brand so that it can unlock its immense potential. The WestJet Group has a long-term strategy in place for the crucial vacations business, and I look forward to continuing to build on that vision over the coming year and of course championing my team’s success in the years that follow.”
As he shared with Travelweek in 2023, for Travelweek’s 50th anniversary Q&A series, Dawson first connected with Sunwing’s founders, the Hunter family, in 2009. A project pegged at two years had him guiding Signature Vacations’ integration with the up-and-coming Sunwing Travel Group.
“After working with Stephen and Colin and their team here, I was hooked by their drive, skills and personalities,” said Dawson. “I could see ways of adding lots more value to the already thriving business.”
In his role with Sunwing, Dawson has done just that for the past 16 years, with one more to go.
NEW ROLES FOR TAYLOR & FOSTER
In other news, the WestJet Group has shared announcements about two key members of the team.
Strategic changes to the WestJet Group Executive Committee will “align leadership positions with our commitment to delivering for our guests,” said the company.
Samantha Taylor, with Sunwing since 2020 as Chief Marketing Officer (and later serving as Chief Marketing & Digital Officer of Sunwing Vacations Group), is now WestJet Group Chief Experience Officer (CXO), a newly-created position.
Taylor will oversee experience management, marketing, and contact centres across WestJet and Sunwing.
“This role is all about putting our guests first,” said Taylor. “By aligning our teams and resources, we’re working to ensure every interaction with WestJet and Sunwing is exceptional. Guest experience is our priority.”
Another change will see Tanya Foster, Chief Information Officer (CIO), now leading a unified team overseeing all IT and digital technology across the WestJet Group. Foster joined the leadership team in January 2023.
“Our guests and our people are at the forefront of every decision we make. By streamlining our leadership team, we’re ensuring we deliver on our promise of friendly, reliable and affordable travel experiences,” said WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech.
Samantha (Sam) Taylor, WestJet Group Chief Experience Officer (CXO), and Tanya Foster, WestJet Group Chief Information Officer (CIO)
