Big Rock CEO to head airport authority
Big Rock Brewery chief executive Bob Sartor is leaving the beer business to take the helm at the Calgary Airport Authority.
The airport authority made the announcement Tuesday, just days after the Calgary-based beer company announced Sartor would be leaving at the end of 2016.
Sartor’s appointment as president and chief executive of the Calgary Airport Authority begins Jan. 1, 2017, replacing the outgoing Garth Atkinson, who has filled the role for the past 15 years and is retiring at the end of December.
Board chair Mel Belich said the Calgary Airport Authority conducted an eight-month search for a replacement for Atkinson.
“We had excellent candidates come forward, both globally and from other locales in North America,” Belich said.
“(Sartor) is well-known as a very strategic thinker, and an exceptionally strong executive who builds very strong teams and mentors the people on his teams …. We’re thrilled to have him.”
Sartor has led Big Rock Brewery since early 2012, succeeding founder Ed McNally, who started the brewery in 1985. Before that, Sartor was the CEO of the Forzani Group from 2003 to 2011 and also served as its president from 2000 to 2003 and its chief financial officer from 1997 to 2000.
He has also held senior roles with Avenor Inc., the Oshawa Group and Kraft General Foods Canada.
Though Sartor does not have specific aviation or airport experience, Belich said he will bring an “outward-looking, consumer-oriented approach” to YYC’s management team.
A significant part of Sartor’s job, Belich said, will be communicating with stakeholders, including governments, transportation agencies, airlines, non-profits and community members.
“He’s not just well known in Calgary,” Belich said. “He’s known as a strong business leader across the country.”
Sartor said he considers it a great privilege to join the team at YYC.
“Calgary has a world-class airport,” Sartor said. “It not only connects people to the world but is a robust economic generator. There remain many opportunities ahead and I am anxious to get to work.”