#Canada #Montreal #Board of Directors #CAE Inc. #Calin Rovinescu

CAE Inc. Welcomes New Leadership with Board of Directors Changes

On February 13, 2025, CAE Inc. announced significant changes to its Board of Directors, bringing in four new members, including Calin Rovinescu, who will serve as the Chair of the Board. The additions come as part of a strategic move aimed at rejuvenating the board's leadership and aligning with stakeholders’ expectations.

The newly appointed members—Peter Lee, Katherine A. Lehman, and Louis Têtu, alongside Rovinescu—are set to officially begin their roles on February 14, 2025. Rovinescu, a well-respected figure in the aviation industry, expressed enthusiasm about guiding CAE in its next growth phase. He highlighted the impressive technological advancements CAE has made, affirming confidence in the company’s market position within aerospace and defense sectors.

This board refresh follows a thorough assessment of its composition and an intention to ensure a sustainable leadership framework. Rovinescu, previously the President and CEO of Air Canada, joined the CAE board as part of a collaboration with significant shareholders, including the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and Browning West, LP, which nominated Têtu and Lee, respectively. The board's structure will remain at 13 directors, with these appointments coinciding with the retirement of four long-serving members: Alan N. MacGibbon, Margaret S. Billson, François Olivier, and David G. Perkins.

MacGibbon, who played a pivotal role in positioning CAE as a leader in aviation training solutions, reflected on the substantial transformation the company has undergone during his tenure. He commended the team's dedication and noted that the transition in leadership comes at an opportune time for CAE.

Rovinescu shared his appreciation for MacGibbon’s leadership, recognizing the groundwork laid for CAE’s future CEO search process and the overall smooth transition of responsibilities. The board is committed to maintaining momentum in its strategic goals and exploring new opportunities for shareholder value creation.

Details about Incoming Board Members

Calin Rovinescu brings a wealth of experience as a corporate director and capital investor. His leadership at Air Canada significantly transformed the airline into a global competitor. His extensive background includes serving as the Chair of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and contributing to the Star Alliance, enhancing CAE's knowledge base in industry standards and competitive practices.

Peter Lee, the co-founder and partner at Browning West, plays a vital role in investment research and strategy. His background spans roles in various investment firms, ensuring his understanding of diverse sectors will benefit CAE’s strategic planning.

Katherine A. Lehman has an established career in private equity, serving as Chair of Stella Jones Inc. and holding pivotal roles in organizations, including her recent experiences with Palladium Equity Partners, where she focuses on investing in business services.

Louis Têtu has notable entrepreneurial history, notably co-founding Taleo Corporation, which later became a leader in cloud-based talent management. His expertise will aid CAE in navigating technological advancements and market integration.

A Look Ahead

As CAE integrates these new directors, the company's commitment to innovation and market leadership remains steadfast. With a workforce of approximately 13,000 across over 240 sites worldwide, CAE continues to prioritize safety and excellence, enhancing training solutions and operational support. As expressed by company representatives, the future holds immense potential as it aims to ensure readiness for the challenges ahead in both civil aviation and defense sectors.

The leadership transition marks a crucial moment for CAE, underpinning its dedication to exemplary insight and operational efficiency, while ultimately fulfilling its mission to make the world a safer space through effective training and technological advancement.