Toronto Pearson Announces New Chief Financial Officer

TORONTO, Sept. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- Deborah Flint, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority ("GTAA"), announced today that Gareth D. Jones has been appointed Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), effective October 5, 2026.

A Canadian executive, Gareth is a strategic CFO with experience in global asset management, investment banking and complex infrastructure, financing and government transactions across the public and private sectors. He has served as a chief financial officer, worked in private equity asset management and advised the Government of Canada on major transactions involving Telesat, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the Canada Growth fund and the Canadian AI Compute Strategy.

Most recently, Jones served as CFO of Cardone Enterprises, a global consulting and corporate training company, and as CFO of Squeeze Group, a global insurance and utility services firm based in Utah. He also served as a principal with global private equity asset management firm The Carlyle Group. From 2016 to 2018 and from 2021 to 2024, he served as a special adviser to Cabinet and lead negotiator for the Government of Canada on significant transactions involving Telesat, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the Canada Growth Fund and the Canadian AI Compute Strategy, including a significant investment in Cohere.

His expertise includes infrastructure finance, capital markets and government transactions, as well as liquidity management, debt management, lender reporting, tax strategy and infrastructure credit. Jones is well positioned to support Toronto Pearson as it advances Pearson LIFT and enters its next phase of growth and enterprise development.

"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 Deborah Flint, CEO of Toronto Pearson. "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."

Jones succeeds Debbie Simpson, who is stepping down from her role to pursue other opportunities. Simpson joined the GTAA in November 2024 and has been instrumental in strengthening its finance and procurement functions, enabling Toronto Pearson to progress its 10-year strategic plan and prepare for Pearson LIFT. She developed the financial structures that supported the launch of the first three programs under our capital investment program.

Jones will join the organization on October 5, and Simpson will remain available to support the new CFO's smooth transition.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada's largest airport and a vital connector of people, businesses, and goods.

Toronto Pearson has been named "Best Large Airport in North America serving more than 40 million passengers" seven times in the last eight years by Airports Council International, the global trade representative of the world's airports. Toronto Pearson was also recognized in 2025 as one of "Canada's Best Employers" by Forbes.

For our corporate X channel, please visit @PearsonComms. For operational updates and passenger information, please visit @TorontoPearson/@AeroportPearson on X. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

SOURCE Toronto Pearson

GTAA Media Office | [email protected] | [phone]