New Leadership to Drive YOW’s Growth and Innovation

The Ottawa International Airport Authority’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan Margles as President and Chief Executive Officer. Margles, an accomplished bilingual leader with extensive experience in corporate strategy, human resources, labour relations and stakeholder engagement, will take on the role in January 2025.

“We are thrilled to welcome Susan Margles to the Airport Authority,” said Bonnie Boretsky, Chair of the Ottawa International Airport Authority’s Board of Directors. “Her track record of leadership, her ability to manage complex issues, and her commitment to stakeholder collaboration will be invaluable as she guides YOW through our next phase of growth and innovation.”

Margles currently serves as Chief People and Safety Officer at Canada Post, where she leads all aspects of human resources, labour relations and government affairs while advancing safety as a top priority. In her previous role as Senior Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, she oversaw government and community affairs, compliance, and the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into Canada Post’s strategic priorities. Before joining Canada Post in 2005, Margles had a distinguished career in the federal government, holding senior roles in departments such as Transport Canada and Finance. She is known for her ability to bring complex issues to ground while building strong relationships with multiple stakeholders.

“I am honoured to join the Ottawa International Airport Authority and work with this talented team,” said Margles. “The airport is essential to the region’s economic growth, and position as the capital city of a G-7 nation. I look forward to building on its successes helping to create an even brighter future for the airport and pursuing new opportunities for aviation innovation, growth and sustainability to better serve the Ottawa and Gatineau communities.”

Margles succeeds Mark Laroche, who announced his retirement in May after 12 years of transformative leadership. Throughout his tenure as president and CEO, YOW saw significant growth, a rebound from the pandemic, the delivery of new passenger services, the recent addition of direct routes to London and Paris, a strategic partnership with Porter Airlines to develop a hub at the airport and the creation of a new LRT public transit connection to the terminal.

“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Mark Laroche for his exceptional leadership over the past decade,” said Boretsky. “His vision and commitment have positioned YOW as a leading airport, not just in terms of passenger experience but also as a major economic driver for the region.”