Gareth D. Jones named chief financial officer at Toronto Pearson

Toronto Pearson airport has named Gareth D. Jones as its new chief financial officer as the airport prepares to advance its multi-billion-dollar Pearson LIFT capital program.

Deborah Flint, president and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), announced Wednesday that Jones will take on the role effective Oct. 5, 2026.

A Canadian executive, Jones brings experience in global asset management, investment banking, infrastructure financing and government transactions across both the public and private sectors.

His appointment comes as Toronto Pearson enters its next phase of growth and enterprise development, including discussions with Ottawa over plans to attract institutional capital to Canadian airports.

"Gareth is joining at a pivotal time as we work with the federal government on its plans to provide institutional capital to airports. His experience in capital markets and large infrastructure projects will be beneficial as we advance Pearson LIFT, our multi-billion investment capital program," says Flint in a press release. "Gareth's expertise in complex transactions will be critical as we position Toronto Pearson to compete and grow. His appointment provides long-term focus and continuity as Toronto Pearson implements its strategic plan over the coming years."

Most recently, Jones served as CFO of Cardone Enterprises, a global consulting and corporate training company, and CFO of Squeeze Group, a Utah-based insurance and utility services firm.

He previously served as a principal with global private equity asset management firm The Carlyle Group.

Jones also has extensive experience working with the federal government. From 2016 to 2018 and again from 2021 to 2024, he served as a special adviser to Cabinet and lead negotiator on major transactions involving Telesat, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the Canada Growth Fund and the Canadian AI Compute Strategy, including an investment in Cohere.

His areas of expertise include infrastructure finance, capital markets and government transactions, along with liquidity and debt management, lender reporting, tax strategy and infrastructure credit.

Jones succeeds Debbie Simpson, who is stepping down to pursue other opportunities.

Simpson joined the GTAA in November 2024 and helped strengthen the organization's finance and procurement functions while supporting Toronto Pearson's 10-year strategic plan and preparations for Pearson LIFT.

She also developed financial structures supporting the launch of the first three programs under the airport's capital investment program.

Simpson will remain available to assist with the transition after Jones joins the GTAA on Oct. 5.

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