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Saretsky’s appointment as WestJet’s third CEO — after joining the company in 2009 as vice-president of WestJet Vacations — became official two weeks after his predecessor Sean Durfy announced his departure on March 15, 2010.

Durfy had been WestJet president for a year before becoming WestJet’s second CEO in September 2007, succeeding co-founder Clive Beddoe, who remains chairman of the WestJet board of directors.

In the announcement Thursday, Beddoe thanked Saretsky and wished him well in his retirement.

“Gregg has taken WestJet to new heights during his tenure and the airline would not be in the strong position it is without Gregg’s business knowledge, drive and work ethic, and his focus on low costs,” Beddoe said.

In WestJet’s statement, Saretsky said plans are well under way for the June launch of Swoop and the introduction of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

“I am proud of the many great things we have accomplished together during my time as president and CEO, and I wish WestJet well in the next chapter of its growth and evolution,” Saretsky said.

Under Saretsky’s leadership, WestJet nearly doubled its fleet, launched WestJet Encore and started service to Europe.

But his time as CEO also included the introduction of unions at WestJet, which had long promoted the competitive advantage of having an entrepreneurial, friendly workforce.

The launch of Swoop has put the company at odds with its pilots as they negotiate a first union contract under the Air Line Pilots Association.