Nieuport Aviation’s Neil Pakey Announces Retirement as CEO, Jennifer Quinn Appointed Successor

TORONTO, ONTARIO - Neil Pakey, CEO of Nieuport Aviation, today announced his retirement from Nieuport Aviation, effective April 1. The Board has accepted his decision, and has also announced the appointment of Jennifer Quinn as his successor.

Making the announcement on behalf of the Board of Directors, Chair Jane Bird said: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Neil for his significant contributions to Nieuport during his six-and-a-half–year tenure with the company.  Under his steady leadership, the organization achieved several notable milestones, including completion of the significant terminal redevelopment, expanded stakeholder engagement and community partnerships, and bringing arts and culture to life in the terminal—all contributing to our award-winning passenger experience and record-high polling results.  Neil also guided the business through the airport’s recovery from the pandemic, garnering Nieuport Aviation an award from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for its success.”

Chris Ward, Board member at Nieuport, added: “Neil’s leadership has been characterized by a focus on building teams and culture. Neil and Jenn will work closely to ensure a seamless transition for the organization.”

Reflecting on his time with Nieuport, Neil said: “It has been a privilege and an incredible journey for me to lead Nieuport Aviation. We have achieved remarkable milestones over the past six years. The accomplishments we have made as a team fill me with excitement for Nieuport's future growth and success.  It is timely now for me to step down.”  

Neil continued, “Aviation is an industry defined by its relentless movement and ever-evolving landscape, bringing both challenges and opportunities. I wish Jennifer the very best in her journey as CEO of the business going forward."

Ms. Quinn has been with Nieuport Aviation since 2021, and has served as executive lead for operations, strategy, stakeholder relations and public affairs. Notably during this time, she worked alongside PortsToronto to secure delivery of a US customs preclearance facility to Billy Bishop Airport—an initiative that, once complete, will not only deliver a better passenger experience, but is also expected to increase the number of destinations served by the airport. Prior to joining Nieuport, Ms. Quinn was an accomplished infrastructure leader who served as a Partner at Deloitte and held a number of executive roles at Infrastructure Ontario (IO). In 2024, Ms. Quinn was recognized for her leadership by both the Globe and Mail and Women's Executive Network as a top executive in Canada.  

“The Board is very pleased to welcome Jennifer Quinn into the role of CEO,” said Ms. Bird. “Ms. Quinn has been a trusted and critical member of the executive team at Nieuport and is ideally suited to lead this organization into the future.”  

Ms. Quinn said, "I want to thank Neil for his mentorship and support over the past 4 years and the Board for entrusting me to lead our team going forward. Billy Bishop Airport is a critical transportation hub, pillar of economic growth and social connector. We take great pride in the experience we deliver as the terminal owner and operator, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with PortsToronto, our carriers—Porter and Air Canada—and many other partners to realize its full potential for the benefit of our region, passengers and the community alike."

About Nieuport Aviation

Nieuport Aviation is the owner and operator of the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and is committed to world-class customer service for the millions of customers using the airport. In addition to managing the passenger terminal, Nieuport Aviation offers passengers a free bus shuttle service between the airport and downtown Toronto, helping to provide a seamless travel experience. Since acquiring the airport terminal, Nieuport has invested $60 million in terminal upgrades, including the recently opened Aspire Business Lounge for Canadian travellers and ongoing construction of the US preclearance facility. For more information, please visit www.nieuport.com.

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