Richard Bartrem

Keynote Speaker | Calgary, Alberta

Former Westjet Vp
Leadership & Workplace Culture | Branding and Marketing Expert

Richard Bartrem Expertise Business Growth, Customer Service & Experience, Innovation & Creativity, Brand Strategy & Storytelling, Business Ethics & Values, Business Leadership, Public Relations & Media Training and Consumer Behaviour.

Richard Bartrem

About Richard Bartrem

Richard Bartrem is the former VP of Marketing Communications at West Jet, who is now a speaker and expert on leadership, brand, marketing & communications with over 35 years of leadership and management experience. A native of Montréal and fluently bilingual in English and French, he served as Vice-President, Communications, Brand and Community Investment at WestJet, where he led landmark brand campaigns including the annual Christmas Miracle and oversaw product launches such as WestJet Encore, Link, Swoop and the 787 Dreamliner rollout. He currently applies big-picture thinking, compelling storytelling and boundless energy as Brand and Communications Strategist with Brookline Public Relations. He is recognized for his strategic approach, innovative concepts, expertise and award-winning leadership to drive campaigns, increase sales and accelerate growth.

Richard Bartrem Videos

RB V3 SPEAKING

Westjet Christmas Miracle: Why?

Westjet 787-9 Dreamliner Inspiration with Richard Bartrem

Westjet Converts to Metric Time: April Fool's

Richard Bartrem, Vice-president Marketing Communications, Westjet

Westjet Thank You

Richard Bartrem Interviews & Podcasts

Interview with Richard Bartrem

Westjet Executive Calls for Federal Support After Company Slashed Flig

RICHARD BARTREM BIOGRAPHY

Richard Bartrem is a seasoned marketing and communications executive with more than 35 years of leadership and management experience. A native of Montréal, he is fluently bilingual in English and French.

His early career included work in consumer goods and television marketing, where he built expertise in consumer behavior, brand positioning and integrated market strategies. Richard Bartrem joined WestJet in 2005 as Director, Brand and Communications and advanced to Vice President, Communications, Brand and Community Investment, a role he held until his retirement in September 2022.

In this senior leadership position, he directed strategy across brand and product marketing, social media, public and media relations, internal communications, sponsorship, the WestJet store and community investment. He helped guide the airline’s reputation through a period of rapid growth, international expansion and industry disruption, balancing innovation with consistent operational delivery.

His leadership extended to the successful launch of WestJet Encore and WestJet Link, both central to regional and business growth strategies. Richard Bartrem also led the creation of Swoop, an ultra-low-cost carrier designed to reach new customer segments, and he supported the positioning of WestJet as a global competitor with the introduction of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

He was instrumental in leading high-profile campaigns, including the globally recognized WestJet Christmas Miracle. Under his direction, WestJet’s marketing earned more than two dozen national and international awards, including two Lions at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity.

Community impact was a central focus during his tenure. He oversaw programs that distributed more than 100,000 flights to organizations supporting children’s health and wellness, and he aligned internal communications to reinforce culture, leadership visibility and employee engagement across the company.

Public speaking has also been an important part of his career. Richard Bartrem has delivered more than 100 keynote presentations on brand, communications and culture to business schools, professional associations, boards of directors and audiences across North America and Europe, sharing practical lessons in leadership, growth and resilience.

Following his corporate career, he became Brand and Communications Strategist at Brookline Public Relations in Calgary. In this role, he advises executives and organizations on positioning, crisis preparedness and reputation management, helping clients strengthen competitive positioning and achieve long-term growth through strategic brand leadership.

He is also President of 13 stories marketing communications, where he provides advisory and fractional leadership services to organizations undergoing transformation. Richard Bartrem works closely with executive teams to refine value propositions, accelerate decision making and translate strategy into measurable results.

In addition, he serves as Board Chair of Tourism Calgary, applying governance, brand expertise and stakeholder engagement to advance the city’s visitor economy. His leadership in this role contributes directly to economic development and community growth objectives.

His career demonstrates a combination of creativity, disciplined strategy and organizational leadership. Richard Bartrem is recognized for guiding businesses through growth, crisis and transition while maintaining a clear focus on reputation, customer trust and sustainable outcomes.

Richard Bartrem continues to influence business and communications through his advisory work, community leadership and speaking engagements. His legacy at WestJet remains a benchmark for how brand storytelling, communications strategy and executive leadership can drive growth, culture and lasting business success in Canada and around the world.

Richard Bartrem Topic Presentations

Richard Bartrem Calgary, Alberta, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

The Culture of You: How Personal Brand Shapes Team and Organization

The Brand Inside: Aligning Culture with Reputation and Results

Reputation Leadership: How Executives Shape Culture and Credibility

The Future of Leadership: Visibility, Culture, and Reputation

High-pressure Communications: Protecting Trust and Credibility When It Matters Most

The Customer Promise: Loyalty Through Alignment of People, Brand, and Service

Leading Through Change: Driving Culture and Performance in Times of Disruption

Storytelling with Impact: Building Brands That Inspire Trust and Growth

Richard Bartrem Books & Articles

Brooks: Splash of Red Gala Supports Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary
Brooks: Splash of Red Gala Supports Boys & Girls

Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary (BGCC) provides invaluable services to our community. Last year, the clubs served over 18,500 children,...

New Dreamliners, Digital Overhaul Paves Way for a Bright Future at Westjet
New Dreamliners, Digital Overhaul Paves Way for a

“This is a new WestJet,” Richard Bartrem, vice president of marketing communications at WestJet told PAX. Bartrem and other notable...

Richard Bartrem Speaking Testimonials

Coming Soon!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Richard Bartrem known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Richard Bartrem is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Richard Bartrem speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Richard Bartrem delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Richard Bartrem is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Richard Bartrem is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Richard Bartrem from and where do they speak across Canada?

Richard Bartrem is from Calgary, Alberta and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Richard Bartrem available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Richard Bartrem is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Richard Bartrem deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Richard Bartrem may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Richard Bartrem to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Richard Bartrem is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Richard Bartrem for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Richard Bartrem is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Richard Bartrem as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Richard Bartrem keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Richard Bartrem for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Richard Bartrem may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Richard Bartrem for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Richard Bartrem should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Richard Bartrem represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Richard Bartrem is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More