Our Executive Team

From top to bottom, every member of the YYC Crew has an integral role in ensuring the recovery, growth and long-term success of the organization.

Our executive leadership team is proud to leverage the strength of their diverse blend of skills, talent and experience to lead and empower the entire organization in fulfilling our mission, vision and potential. 

 

Photo of Chris Dinsdale

Chris Dinsdale
President & CEO

Chris Dinsdale served as the CEO of the Budapest Airport since April 2021. Chris joined the Budapest Airport as the Chief Financial Officer in 2015 and acted as the Deputy CEO until being appointed CEO. He also served as the Managing Director of Airport Fuel Services, the market leading aviation fuel supply subsidiary of the Budapest Airport, until 2020 and has also held the position of Chairman of the Supervisory Board since 2019 for BUD Security, which operates all passenger and staff security screening activities at the Budapest Airport. Prior to joining the aviation industry, Chris worked as the Chief Financial Officer of the publicly listed Wildhorse Energy. Chris moved to Hungary in 2004 to join KPMG Hungary working in various capacities, most recently as Director – Energy and Resource Advisory in Central and Eastern Europe. Prior to leaving Canada, he worked as a Project Manager at TD Bank Financial Group.

Chris has a Bachelor of Engineering Science, Engineering Physics degree from Queen’s University and a Master of Business Administration degree (Finance) from the Schulich Business School, York University. Chris is married with three children.  

 
Photo of Megan Gupton

Megan Gupton
Chief Information Officer

In 2023 Megan was appointed Chief Information Officer (CIO) with The Authority. Prior to her current role as CIO, Megan held the position of Senior Director IT and Chief Technology Officer. Under her stewardship, technology trials, innovation initiatives, and automation took precedence, fostering deeper and more meaningful collaborations to connect technology and airport partners. Joining The Authority during 2020, her tenure has been characterized by resolute remote leadership, adept team building, proficiently managing stakeholder relationships, forging strategic partnerships, and formulating a new IT strategy, exemplifying her resilience and unwavering commitment. Prior to joining The Authority, Megan held senior IT roles with WestJet, Air Canada, Shaw, and Enbridge. Megan holds an MBA from Athabasca University and participated in the Executive Program for Women Leaders in Business as part of the Executive Education program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Megan proudly supports her grown children as they embark on their journeys and is also committed to her community serving as a member of the Fund Development Council for the Calgary Health Foundation, a pivotal organization dedicated to raising funds to support healthcare innovations and breakthroughs in Calgary.

Photo of Kirstan Jewell

Kirstan Jewell
Vice President of Talent, Organization & Chief People Officer

Kirstan joined The Authority in July 2023 to oversee culture, employee experience, talent management, diversity, equity and inclusion, labour relations, learning and development, organization development, HR operations and total rewards. As an accomplished Human Resources leader, Kirstan has led large scale transformational change and the strategic integration of culture, people, and business. She is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources, holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Royal Roads University and a Certificate in Industrial Relations from Queen’s University. She is an active volunteer and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Hockey Alberta.

Before joining YYC, Kirstan held the role of Senior Vice President of People and Culture for OEG (formerly the Oilers Entertainment Group). Prior to OEG, Kirstan worked with the Edmonton International Airport as Vice-President, Human Resources. Kirstan is a mother, daughter, sister, friend, colleague and ally.

Photo of Chris Miles

Chris Miles
Chief Operating Officer

Since joining The Authority in 2018, Chris has held several executive leadership roles within the organization including Vice President, Operations & Infrastructure where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations, engineering, and construction portfolios.  Chris has worked with airlines, airports and industry trade associations, including the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Airports Council International - ACI World, Air Canada, Abu Dhabi Airports Company and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Geneva, Switzerland. He is fluent in English and French and holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.

Chris lends his expertise to several organizations to advance the industry, including the Canadian Airports Council, ACI World and ACI North America. He is also active in serving the local community as a Tourism Calgary advisory committee member, governor of Lindsay Park Sports Society and Vice Chair of the MNP Community and Sports Centre.

 

Photo of Robert Palmer

Robert  (Rob) Palmer, CPA
Vice President, Commercial, Strategy & Chief Financial Officer

Rob joined The Authority’s executive leadership team in 2016 as Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. He is a senior finance leader with over 20 years of financial and strategic management expertise, executing on business plan development, corporate finance and accounting and program management. Rob’s experience spans multiple industries, including aviation, real estate, consumer packaged goods and technology. Rob is responsible for all aspects of finance, accounting, supply chain, strategy, planning, IT systems and commercial services. Rob is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Manitoba.

Rob also volunteers his time connecting Calgary with the global community through his position as Chair of the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre's Audit Committee.