Calin Rovinescu

Early life

Rovinescu was born on September 16, 1955, in Bucharest, Romania. His family moved to Canada when he was five years old. His early education took place in Montreal and Ottawa. He earned a CEGEP diploma at McGill University in 1974, a civil law degree from Universite de Montreal in 1978, and a common law degree from the University of Ottawa in 1980. 

Career

Rovinescu started his career as a lawyer. He was the Managing Partner at Stikeman Elliott LLP in Montreal, focusing on corporate finance and merger acquisitions. During his time at Stikeman, he was also lead counsel in Air Canada’s 1988 privatization. Rovinescu became the Executive VP of corporate development and strategy in 2000, and in 2003-2004, held the position of Chief Restructuring Officer.

Between 2004 and 2009 he co-founded and led an investment bank that became part of Canaccord Genuity Group. He went back to Air Canada as CEO in 2009 and managed the airline for almost 12 years, restoring profitability and expanding its global reach. He was also the Chairman of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board and a Chairman of the International Air Transport Association.

Rovinescu is a board member of BCE Inc. and Scotiabank, as well as a senior advisor to Brookfield Asset Management and Teneo. He retired from Air Canada in 2021 and became Chairman of CAE Inc. in 2025.

Net Worth

Calin Rovinescu’s net worth is approximately $3 million, based on his holdings in public companies where he is a director as well as stock ownership. This number is an estimate and may vary with market changes and additional assets not publicly disclosed.

Achievement

These are just a few examples of the many awards and honors Rovinescu has received throughout his career, reflecting his reputation as a highly accomplished businessman and corporate leader.

CEO of Air Canada from 2009 to 2021.

Air Canada shared appreciated more than 4,000% over a decade with his management.

Skytrax recognized Air Canada as Best Airline in North America eight times.

Named Canada’s Best CEO twice by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business.

Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year by Financial Post Magazine.

Global Executive Leadership Award at Airline Strategy Awards.

CEO Lifetime Achievement Award by the Airline Passenger Experience Association.

Received an induction into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.

Appointed Member of the Order of Canada for leadership and humanitarian efforts.

Awarded honorary doctorate degrees from six universities.