Myron Keehn to become new CEO of Edmonton Airport

Myron Keehn will become the new CEO of Edmonton Regional Airports Authority when current incumbent, Tom Ruth, retires at the end of December 2022.

The authority is responsible for the operation and development of Canada’s fifth busiest gateway, Edmonton Airport (EIA),  which pre-pandemic handled in excess of 8.2 million passengers per annum.

Board Chair, Joan Hertz, said:  “We searched the world and found the best candidate, right here at home. This is a testament to Tom Ruth’s leadership in building a strong team along with a compelling vision and a great community.

“We’re excited to have Myron step into the CEO role and build on the foundation that’s in place now. And we’re confident that, with his energy, drive and ideas, he’ll help Edmonton Airports soar to even greater heights.”

Keehn, will officially become the new CEO on January 1, 2023, currently serves as vice president of air service, business development, ESG and stakeholder relations at Edmonton Airports.

In the last nine years, in close co-ordination with all EIA departments, Keehn led the attraction of over C$1.5 billion in private investment to Edmonton Airports and positioned Edmonton Airports as a global airport leader in ESG and innovation, with initiatives such as signing the Amazon Climate Pledge, leading in the adoption of hydrogen, the soon to be built world’s largest airport-based solar farm, and using drones for runway inspection and commercial cargo delivery.

He also led the development of the Regional Air Service Opportunity Fund – a co-operative effort among most of the region’s 14 municipalities to drive cargo growth and increase air service.

Cargo has been a major focus for Myron and this past July, the Federal Government announced a C$100 million investment in Edmonton International Airport’s International Cargo Hub, a 2,000-acre multi-modal global logistics and handling operation. Myron’s leadership was instrumental in all these initiatives.

Keehn said: “I’m thrilled the board of directors has put their confidence in me and chosen me as Edmonton Airports’ next CEO. This is the opportunity of a lifetime to lead such an amazing organisation with a fantastic team and so many bold plans and ideas for the future.

“Tom Ruth has been a wonderful leader and mentor for me, and I look forward not only to continuing the direction that’s been set but also seizing every opportunity ahead to make this airport one of the leading aviation and business hubs in the world.”

As the airport authority’s new CEO, one of his official duties next year will be to welcome delegates to the 8TH Annual SMART Airports & Regions Conference and Exhibition (https://smart-airports.com/sar/) in Edmonton, Alberta, on July 19-21, 2023.