Air Canada recently hosted a heartfelt Customer Appreciation Event tour, concluding in Toronto after stops in Montreal and Vancouver, celebrating transitions within the company and honoring the legacy of Lisa Pierce, the retiring Vice President of Global Sales. With nearly four decades at Air Canada, Pierce delivered an emotional farewell, praised for her kindness and leadership by colleagues, including Vincent Gauthier-Doré, Managing Director of Sales for Canada and the USA.
During her speech, Pierce reflected on the emotional nature of travel, a sentiment echoed by her successor, François Choquette, now appointed as the Head of Sales. “Travel is a very emotional business,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of family and relationships as key motivators for travel.
Pierce shared her plans for retirement, humorously stating that folding towels at a beach resort was a starting point, adding a light-hearted touch to the evening. However, she also took a moment to recount a poignant experience on her flight back from Montreal, where she witnessed the Northern Lights, an emotional peak during her tenure at Air Canada.
The evening also served as a tribute to past sales leaders who shaped Air Canada’s direction, including the late Duncan Bureau, who recently passed away. “Bureau’s energy was instrumental in modernizing our team,” Pierce noted, underlining the significance of mentorship and collaboration within the organization. She expressed confidence in Choquette’s ability to carry forward the partnerships and initiatives established under her leadership, reassuring attendees that global sales at Air Canada would remain in capable hands.
In his remarks, Choquette acknowledged the challenges ahead, humorously referring to the formidable legacy he is stepping into. He expressed admiration for Pierce’s focus on building relationships within the tourism sector, emphasizing his intent to maintain those partnerships while introducing his own style to the role. “I’ll bring my own approach,” he stated, reflecting on his previous experience in revenue management and the changing dynamics in travel demand.
With Air Canada strategically expanding into new markets, including resuming non-stop flights to Budapest, Choquette noted shifts in travel patterns, particularly among Canadians seeking more diverse destinations. “Demand for travel to the US is down, and we are seeing increased interest in Europe, especially Spain,” he remarked, touching on the significance of immigration trends that influence travel decisions.
The evening culminated with music from a saxophone player, adding an air of celebration to the occasion. As for Pierce’s post-retirement plans, she expressed a desire to embrace spontaneity. “I want to travel, explore my hobbies, and spend time with family,” she shared, hinting that a structured routine is not on her agenda.
This transition not only marks a significant milestone for Air Canada but also highlights the emotional connections fostered through travel. As François Choquette steps into his new role, the airline’s commitment to strengthening relationships within the travel community remains steadfast, promising continued growth and innovation in the years to come.
