Former Air Canada CEO joins Plusgrade as board member, investor

The former president and CEO of Air Canada has entered the world of ancillary revenue solutions.

According to a press release issued Monday (Feb. 27), Calin Rovinescu has joined the board of directors and become an investor at Plusgrade, a Montreal-based technology company that specializes in ancillary revenue and merchandising in the global travel industry.  

Rovinescu retired from Air Canada in February 2021 after serving in the role from April 2009.

During his tenure, he was twice recognized as Canada's Outstanding CEO of the Year, and Air Canada was honoured as the Best Airline in North America by Skytrax in eight out of ten years.

From 2012 to 2016, Rovinescu was elected chairman of the Star Alliance chief executive board. 

He also served as chairman of the board of governors of IATA from 2015 to 2016, in addition to being a member of its board for over a decade.

“This extensive and unmatched experience in the travel industry will be pivotal for Plusgrade's growth and continued success,” the company said in a statement Monday (Feb. 27).

Rovinescu currently serves as a board member for BCE Inc., Canada's largest telecom and media company, as well as the Bank of Nova Scotia, Canada's third-largest bank.

"We are thrilled and humbled to welcome Calin as an investor and board member," said Plusgrade Founder and CEO Ken Harris. "Calin's experience as a world-class CEO, accomplished operator, and industry icon will be invaluable to our group as we continue to expand our presence in the travel industry and become the global ancillary revenue powerhouse."

Rovinescu said the “impact to-date and future potential of ancillary revenue across travel, hospitality and beyond is tremendous.”

“Plusgrade is a unique leader in this space and very well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities," Rovinescu stated. "I look forward to working with Ken, the board of directors, and the Plusgrade team to build on the company's success."

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