Strategy Summit Speakers
Sir Tim Clark
President & CEO, Emirates
Mr Clark has been in the civil aviation business for his whole professional career, having joined British Caledonian in 1972.
In 1975, he moved to Gulf Air in Bahrain and subsequently in 1985 to Dubai where he became a member of the founding team of Emirates as Head of Airline Planning.
In 2003, he became President of Emirates Airline, one of the world's fastest growing airlines, which currently serves more than 143 destinations in 81 countries with a fleet of over 215 wide-bodied aircraft. The airline has an aircraft order book of 374 units valued at over US $162 billion at list prices. Emirates currently operates the world’s largest fleet of A380s with 50 in service and 90 pending delivery, and also the world’s largest Boeing 777 fleet with 139 in service and 207 pending delivery.
Emirates, winner of more than 500 international awards for product and service excellence, is on a strong trajectory to become a top 100 global lifestyle brand. The airline is gaining momentum having been named the world's Most Valuable Airline Brand, according to the 2013 Brand Finance Global 500 study, as well as being designated as one of the most iconic airline brands by the Taylor Nelson Sofres Iconicity index.
Between April 1998 and March 2008, Mr Clark was also the Managing Director of Sri Lankan Airlines, the latter position resulted from Emirates' acquisition in April 1998 of a major stake in the airline with full management control.
Mr Clark is Chairman of the Emirates Airline Foundation, which he was instrumental in founding. The Foundation strives to improve the welfare of disadvantaged children of the world.
He holds a degree in Economics from London University and is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He also holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Middlesex.
In the 2014 Queen’s New Year’s Honours list, Mr Clark was invested as a Knight of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) for services to British prosperity and to the aviation industry.
In November 2009, he was conferred an “Officier de la Legion d’Honneur” by the French government for services to transport and aviation and holds the 2009 Gold Award from the Royal Aeronautical Society for his contribution to civil aerospace. At the 2011 Airline Business and Flightglobal Achievement Awards, he was recognised as “Leader of the year”, and in 2013, he received the Center for Aviation (CAPA) Legends award and was inducted into the CAPA Hall of Fame.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Kevin Knight
Chief Strategy Officer, Etihad Airways
Participating Talks and Sessions
Aaron Heslehurst
News Anchor & Presenter, BBC World News
Aaron joined the BBC in February 2002. He has since covered some of the world's major news events. He currently continues covering the global credit crisis and subsequent global economic recession across all of the BBC television news outlets including; the acclaimed BBC Breakfast program, the BBC News channel and BBC World News TV.
Aaron has interviewed some of the world's biggest corporate leaders, as well as members of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Union and the World Trade Organisation
An area in which Aaron is particularly interested is the global aviation and airline industry which he covers for the BBC's Business Travel program. He has interviewed the heads of almost every major airline in the world, including the leaders of the airline governing bodies.
After graduating from University in the USA, Aaron began his journalistic career as a news reporter for Prime Television/Seven Network in Sydney and Canberra. A landmark in the initial stage of his career was the recognition of his work and a prestigious award by the Australian National Press Club.
Following his work in Australia, Aaron was appointed European Bureau Chief in London for Paramount Picture's Real TV News and then as a senior news anchor with CNBC/NBC Nordic. Aaron's work has taken him all over the world and he has lived in several cities including Manila, San Francisco, Paris and Copenhagen.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Rosemarie Andolino
Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation
Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner (CDA) Rosemarie S. Andolino is responsible for the management and operation of O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW).
Commissioner Andolino is also charged with implementing the O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP) — an estimated $8 billion program which is increasing the airport’s efficiency and capacity well into the future.
Andolino’s leadership has brought the CDA to the forefront for airport sustainability.
She serves as Chair of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Legislative Alliance and a Policy Review Committee; and is a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, the International Association of Airport Executives Board of Directors, Airport Council International-North America, and several other industry organizations.
Her distinguished 20-year career in public service has included various positions within several City of Chicago departments, including Executive Director of the OMP and First Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Scott Kirby
President, American Airlines
Scott Kirby is president of American Airlines Group and its principal subsidiary company, American Airlines. Kirby oversees American’s operations, planning, marketing, sales, alliances and pricing/yield management.
Previously, Kirby served as president of US Airways, where he oversaw the airline’s operations, including flight operations, safety and regulatory compliance, maintenance, inflight services, airport customer service and reservations. Kirby also oversaw the airline’s sales, marketing, alliances, pricing/yield management and scheduling.
Prior to being named president in 2006, Kirby was US Airways’ executive vice president, sales and marketing, a position he held at America West Airlines prior to the two carriers’ 2005 merger. He joined America West in 1995 as senior director, scheduling and planning, and was promoted to vice president, planning, in 1997. Kirby was named vice president, revenue management, in 1998 and senior vice president, e-business, in early 2000.
Prior to joining America West, Kirby worked for American Airlines Decision Technologies (AADT), a subsidiary of AMR Corp., and worked at the Pentagon prior to AADT. Kirby earned bachelor’s degrees in computer science and operations research from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a Master of Science in operations research from George Washington University.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Jim Compton
Vice Chairman and Chief Revenue Officer, United Airlines
Jim Compton is Vice Chairman and Chief Revenue Officer for United, the world’s leading airline. In this role, Compton is responsible for overseeing the company’s domestic and international operations, sales, corporate development and alliances, network pricing and revenue management, and network planning. Prior to this appointment, Compton was Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer for United. Previously, Compton served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Continental
Airlines. Since joining Continental in 1995, Compton held leadership roles including Senior Vice President of Marketing and Senior Director of Pricing.
As Senior Vice President of Marketing, Compton was instrumental in launching EliteAccess, Continental’s priority service for its most valuable customers. Before joining Continental, Compton worked at United Parcel Service of America from 1993 to 1995, where he was responsible for system development and business planning, as well as rates for the company’s $15-billion domestic and air package delivery business. Prior to that, Compton served as Manager of Forecasting and Revenue Analysis for United Airlines from 1984 to 1993.
Compton received a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He is married
and has two children. Compton serves on the board of directors of the Lincoln Park Zoo and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Participating Talks and Sessions
David Scowsill
President and CEO, World Travel and Tourism Council
Prior to joining the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in November 2010, David worked for 6 years in private equity and venture capital, completing deals in technology and travel sectors.
David was CEO of Opodo, pan-European online travel company from 2002 to 2004, building the business from start up to a €500mn transaction turnover, before it was sold to Amadeus.
He joined the board of Hilton International in 1997 as senior VP sales, marketing and IT, leading the brand re-unification programme between the two Hilton shareholder companies.
David rejoined British Airways from 1993 to 1997 as regional general manager Asia/Pacific. He established the Joint Service Agreement and global alliance with Qantas.
He joined American Airlines in 1991 as Managing Director of Sales, Europe Middle East and Africa.
David’s earlier career was with British Airways, with a variety of operational and sales roles in US, Europe, Latin America, Gulf States, Africa, and Asia.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Vijay Poonoosamy
Vice President of International & Public Affairs, Etihad Airways
Mr. Vijay Poonoosamy, a national of Mauritius, is a barrister (Middle Temple) with a law degree from the University of Nottingham, a Masters degree in International Law from the London School of Economics and Political Science, a Post Graduate Diploma in Air & Space Law from the London Institute of World Affairs and a Certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.
After practising as an Aviation Lawyer in London, Mr. Vijay Poonoosamy joined AirMauritiusin 1988 as Director, Legal and International Affairs and was later appointed its Managing Director. In June 2004 he was appointed Executive Chairman of Airports of Mauritius. He resigned in August 2005 to join Etihad Airways where he is the Vice President International Affairs.
Mr. Vijay Poonoosamy was the Chairman of the historical 1994 World-wide Air Transport Conference of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). He was the Chairman of the 1999 ICAO Special Group on the Modernisation of the Warsaw Convention. He was also Chairman of the Air Transport Committee of the African Civil Aviation Commission, Chairman of the Legal Advisory Council of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Chairman of IATA’s Task Force on International Aviation Issues. He was also the Moderator of the September 2008 ICAO Symposium on the Economics of Airports and Air Navigation Services.
Mr Vijay Poonoosamy is the Vice Chairman of the ICAO Special Committee on Aviation Security Conventions and a member of the Industry Affairs Committee of IATA.
Participating Talks and Sessions
John Byerly
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. State Department, and architect of many of the world's Open Skies treaties
John Byerly advises clients on the full range of international aviation issues, including negotiations, economic and environmental regulation, aviation safety and security, government relations, and strategic planning. John graduated with highest honors from the University of North Carolina, studied European and German law on a Fulbright Scholarship in Berlin, and received his JD from Yale in 1979. Upon graduation, he joined the State Department, serving thirty-one years in positions addressing American foreign policy, national security, and international economic relations. For almost a decade (2001-2010), John was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State responsible for market-opening air transport agreements with over 70 countries and led U.S. delegations in talks that secured Open Skies with Germany, France, the European Union, and Japan. He was active in the economic, legal, and environmental work of ICAO and helped implement the U.S. response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Vincent Hodder
CCO, VivaAerobus
Mr. Hodder joined VivaAerobus in October 2013 and is responsible for Strategy, Fleet & Network Planning, Pricing & Revenue Management, Marketing, Sales & Distribution, Ancillary Revenues, Airport Relations, Customer Service and Communications
Mr. Hodder holds an MBA from the University of Melbourne’s Melbourne Business School and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne.
Prior to joining VivaAerobus Mr. Hodder was a member of the senior executive team at Jetstar Airways, the low cost arm of the Qantas Group which operates across Asia and the Pacific.
Mr. Hodder held various senior positions at Jetstar in operational management and strategy from 2007 to 2013, including Executive Director and Senior Vice President Operations – Jetstar Japan (2011-2013), Executive Manager – Strategy (2010-2011) and Executive Manager – Network and Planning (2009-2010)
Mr Hodder was previously Vice President of Strategic Development at TACA International Airlines, based in El Salvador, Central America from 2002 to 2007, a consultant and case team leader with Bain & Company from 1999 to 2002 and held various positions in sales, marketing and management in the oil industry with BP Australia.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Sandra Chiu
President, Centre for Aviation Policy and Economics
Sandra Chiu is president of the Center for Aviation Policy and Economics, which analyzes trends in international aviation and secures access to entry-restricted markets, focusing on Asia. Ms. Chiu also works with the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the regulatory authority that governs airline and airport operations, on aviation best practices. She has published in Caijing Magazine, China’s most prestigious business publication.
Ms. Chiu previously served as Director of International Affairs and Director for Government Affairs for United Airlines. Ms. Chiu secured China and Japan traffic rights for United Airlines, significantly expanding its Asia network. She led United’s efforts to reenter Vietnam, which had been closed to U.S. carriers for nearly 30 years. She was instrumental in securing code-share rights in Japan and the right to create a Star Alliance terminal at Narita International Airport. Ms. Chiu began her career working for two U.S. senators on foreign trade and transportation issues, and was a State Department Fellow at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Michael Mabuyakhulu
MEC Economic Development & Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal
Michael Mabuyakhulu holds an Honours Degree in Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Wales. He is currently working on his Masters in Business Administration. He has also completed an Advanced Business Programme (NQF 7) through the Durban University of Technology.
In 1982 Mabuyakhulu began his career as a Production Manager for Mintex on the north coast where he was elected as a President of the Engineering Sector of the Metal and Allied Workers Union of South Africa. In 1984 he was appointed as the Regional Secretary of the powerful National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) in northern KwaZulu-Natal –the position he held until 1994. As a trade unionist, Mabuyakhulu developed a reputation as a skilful negotiator and efficient administrator amongst businesses.
During the 1980s Mabuyakhulu also played a leading role in the peace process in the province –being instrumental in facilitating political negotiations between the African National Congress and the Inkatha Freedom Party. After the first democratic elections in 1994, he left the trade union movement and became a Member of the Provincial Legislature. Between 1994 and 1999 he was Convener of the ANC Caucus within the Economic Development and Tourism Portfolio Committee. He also served on the Public Accounts and Premier's Portfolio Committees.
In 1999 he was appointed to the Cabinet of KwaZulu-Natal as MEC for Economic Development and Tourism – becoming the youngest Member of the Executive Council.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Matt Cornelius
Managing Director - Air Policy, Airports Council International - North America
Matt Cornelius joined ACI-NA in November 2012 and currently serves as the Managing Director of Air Policy. In this role, Matt monitors and advises on U.S., Canadian and international aviation regulations and issues including topics such as air service development, passenger facilitation, airport/airline agreements, and rates and charges policies, among others. Matt also serves as the secretary to the Facilitation Committee, the Large Hub Airport Caucus and the Air Service Work Group.
Matt comes to ACI-NA with 12 years’ experience in the commercial aviation industry, beginning with the Aviation Department of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey where he held various positions in Customer Service and Airport Operations. Matt worked in Airport Operations at Denver International Airport before joining Frontier Airlines, holding roles in their Finance and Commercial Strategy departments. Immediately prior to joining ACI-NA, Matt served as the Airline Affairs Manager with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Matt earned a Master of Business Administration degree in Marketing from the University of Colorado at Boulder and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Villanova University.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Jude Bricker
Senior Vice President of Planning, Allegiant
Jude Bricker joined Allegiant in May 2006 as manager of fleet planning. He became the director of fleet planning in 2007 before being promoted to vice president of corporate finance and treasurer in 2010 and to his current position in 2012. Today, he oversees the Company’s network planning, revenue management, fleet planning and treasury. Prior to joining Allegiant, Mr. Bricker held various positions with American Airlines and the US Marine Corps. He holds a master’s in business administration from the University of Texas.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Jay Sorensen
President, IdeaWorks Company
Jay Sorensen‘s research and reports have made him a leading authority on loyalty programs and the ancillary revenue movement. For 2013 he was a speaker at the FFP Spring Event at the Freddie Awards in Washington DC and the MEGA Event in Vancouver; he spoke at the 2012 IATA Passenger Services Symposium in the Middle East. His published works are relied upon by airline executives throughout the world and include first-ever guides on the topics of ancillary revenue and loyalty marketing. He was acknowledged by his peers when he received the Airline Industry Achievement Award at the MEGA Event in 2011.
Mr. Sorensen is a veteran management professional with 30 years experience in product, partnership, and marketing development. As president of the IdeaWorksCompany consulting firm, he has enhanced the generation of airline revenue, started loyalty programs and co-branded credit cards, developed products in the service sector, and helped start airlines and other travel companies. His career includes 13 years at Midwest Airlines where he was responsible for marketing, sales, customer service, product development, operations, planning, financial analysis and budgeting. His favorite activities are hiking, exploring and camping in US national parks with his family.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Kenneth Dunlap
Director, APCS Government Affairs, IATA
Based in Washington, D.C., Ken Dunlap leads IATA’s government affairs activities relating to airports, passengers, cargo, and security. In this global role, he formulates strategy and manages relationships with key government and international officials. Previously, as Director, Global Security and Travel Facilitation, he was responsible for planning and executing the aviation security strategy of the Association on behalf of 230 global airlines. Ken has been a leader in developing information sharing and critical infrastructure protection programs for the airline industry.
He has testified on global aviation security issues before the United States Congress and Canadian Parliament. Ken is a member of the Department of Homeland Security’s Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC). Previously, he served as the Vice-Chairman of the Air Line Pilot Association's (ALPA) National Security Committee. He holds a M.A. in National Security Studies and B.A. in Government both from Georgetown University. Ken has logged over 7000+ hours as both a commercial airline and military pilot.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Jacqueline Drumheller
Sustainability Manager, Alaska Air Group
Jacqueline Drumheller is the sustainability manager for Alaska Airlines, where she is on a mission to make her company the sector leader in environmental stewardship.
Prior to joining Alaska Airlines in 1997, she worked in both the environmental consulting industry as well as hazardous waste management, treatment, and disposal industry. During her career, she has tackled almost every single aspect of environmental protection and compliance, from audits to underground storage tank removals.
In 2008, she co-founded Alaska Airlines' corporate sustainability program. She raised awareness of the importance and value of environmental stewardship through the launch and leadership of a cross-divisional Green Team, which lead to a company-wide adoption of new “greener” business initiatives and strategies. Since that time, Alaska Airlines has published three sustainability reports, developed a formal governance structure and sustainability initiatives, and has begun the challenging process of integrating sustainability into their daily business practices.
In 2012, Ms. Drumheller was named as one of 35 Inspirational Women in CSR by Triple Pundit. She is an enthusiastic public speaker who enjoys making sustainability fun.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Christian Kley
Vice President - Strategic Marketing, Airbus Americas
Christian Kley assumed the role of Vice President of Strategic Marketing at Airbus Americas, Inc. in May 2014. Based in Herndon, Virginia, he and his team cover the North and South American commercial aviation market, identifying customer requirements, major industry trends, defining marketing strategy and supporting the sales and marketing teams.
Mr. Kley joined Airbus in 2002 as Executive Assistant to the Chief Commercial Officer in Toulouse, France. He then became Sales Contracts Director for Leasing Companies, Latin America and Western Europe. In this role he negotiated numerous aircraft acquisition transactions with customers such as ILFC, LATAM and Iberia. In 2008 he moved to Airbus’ Strategy division to lead several merger and acquisition projects, most notably the acquisition of Satair in 2011. Later that same year he moved to Airbus Americas to lead Strategy for the Americas.
After high school and undergraduate studies in the U.S., Mr. Kley obtained a law degree from the University of Freiburg in Germany, as well as a Master of Law degree focused on international trade and corporate law from the University of Cape Town.
Mr. Kley and his wife, Sophie, have two children and reside in Northern Virginia.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Susan Kurland
Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs, US Department of Transportation
Susan Kurland was nominated by President Obama to serve as Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs in July, 2009 and confirmed by the U. S. Senate in August, 2009.
A key member of the Secretary of Transportation’s senior team, Susan Kurland directs economic and competition policies affecting the air transport industry and oversees the Department’s international activities. She serves as the DOT decision-maker in proceedings involving allocation of international aviation route authority, licensing of domestic and foreign air carriers, grants of antitrust immunity for international aviation alliance activities and provision of air services to rural U.S. communities. Additionally, Kurland leads Department efforts on international technical cooperation, standards harmonization, trade advocacy and export promotion.
Kurland brings extensive senior public and private transportation experience to her current role. Prior to joining the Department of Transportation, she was a managing director at Jefferies & Company focusing on airport infrastructure and municipal finance projects and headed the firm’s municipal finance group in Chicago. She served as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of U.S. Airways and also led the Federal Aviation Administration’s national airports program as Associate Administrator for Airports. During her time as Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago, she served as general counsel for Chicago’s airport system.
Kurland holds degrees from Brandeis University and Boston University School of Law.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Sebastian Mikosz
CEO, LOT
Sebastian Mikosz, Chairman of the management Board for LOT Polish Airlines. Manager with expertise in business consulting and management, aviation expert and passionate.
He is a graduate of the prestigious Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris (with majors in economics and finance) and has completed several business management courses and training programmes.
After graduation he worked for Arthur Andersen in Paris where he specialised in investments in the emerging markets.
In 2000, after he came back to Poland, he worked on establishing the first independent online brokerage house in Poland. In 2001 he took the position of the General Director of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Poland.
In June 2003 he was appointed as Vice President of the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency. There, he supervised the Departments of Investor Assistance, Regional Cooperation and Research and Analysis.
He conducted negotiations with the largest foreign investors in Poland such as LG Philips, MAN, Whirlpool and Michelin. Next he worked as Managing Director at the Warsaw office of Amrop Hever, a HR consultancy company.
In February 2011, he took a position of Societe Generale Corporate & Investment Banking advisor in Poland.
He is a fluent speaker of French and English. He is married and has three sons
Participating Talks and Sessions
Trey Urbahn
Chief Revenue Officer, Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras
Trey Urbahn is Chief Strategy Officer for Azul, a Brazilian airline he helped found with David Neeleman. Azul serves over 100 cities within Brazil with 136 Embraer E Jet and ATR aircraft. The airline recently announce plans to begin flying to the United States with A330s in December and will add the A350-9 to its fleet in early 2017
Azul was recently named one of the world’s 100 hottest brands by Advertising Age as well as best Latin American low cost carrier by Skytrax. Prior to Azul, Trey also worked with Neeleman at JetBlue Airways, where he served as Chief Revenue Officer.
Prior to joining JetBlue, Trey was CEO of FareChase, Inc., a travel industry e-commerce company, and was a founding officer of priceline.com, serving ultimately as Chairman, Travel Services. Mr. Urbahn was a Senior Partner at the Airline Planning Group, a strategy consulting practice focused in the airline and travel sector.
Trey’s earlier career was focused in the field of revenue management both in and outside of the airline industry. In addition to serving as Executive Director of Marketing Planning at Alamo Rent a Car, he was Director of Revenue Development at US Airways Group. Prior to this, Trey served in various revenue management and finance-focused positions at Northwest Airlines and United Airlines.
Trey Urbahn graduated from Yale College and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. He and his wife Jennifer live in New Canaan, CT and have four children.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Edmond Rose
Independent Consultant
Edmond Rose is a strategic thinker, planner and decision-maker with over 25 years’ experience first as a diplomat and then in aviation. He spent the last six years directing Virgin Atlantic Airways’ fleet and network planning, revenue management & pricing and alliance partnership activity. During that time he worked intensively on Virgin Atlantic’s strategy including plans for a new strategic partnership which led to a transatlantic joint venture with Delta Airlines. Edmond directed the start-up of Virgin Atlantic’s domestic flying operation from Heathrow in 2013 and sponsored the introduction of the Airbus A330 and Boeing 787 types into the Virgin fleet.
As a diplomat in the 1990s, Edmond was posted in India and China before taking up government affairs roles first for Virgin Atlantic and then for British Airways. He then had a spell in consultancy on projects ranging from low cost carrier strategy and airport hub network design to public affairs advocacy for aviation. Edmond returned to consultancy work earlier this year.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Kevin K. McAleenan
Acting Deputy Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Kevin K. McAleenan was named acting deputy commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, effective March 30, 2013. As such, McAleenan becomes the chief operating official of the 60,000-employee border agency.
Previously, McAleenan served as the acting assistant commissioner of the CBP Office of Field Operations, leading the agency’s port security and facilitation operations. He was named to the position December 31, 2011. He previously served as deputy assistant commissioner, Office of Field Operations between July 2010 and December 2011. OFO is the largest component in CBP and is responsible for securing the U.S. border at ports of entry while expediting lawful trade and travel. With OFO, McAleenan was responsible for overseeing CBP’s antiterrorism, immigration, anti-smuggling, trade compliance, and agriculture protection operations at 20 major field offices, 331 ports of entry, and 70 international locations in more than 40 countries. He administered a staff of more than 28,000 employees, and an operating budget of more than $3.5 billion.
As deputy assistant commissioner, McAleenan was particularly involved in the development of CBP’s Advanced Air Cargo Screening program, the development of CBP’s new trade agenda, and efforts to optimize management of resources though business process transformation and modeling.
Prior to assuming these positions with CBP Field Operations, McAleenan served in several leadership capacities at CBP and the former U.S. Customs Service. In the aftermath of September 11th, McAleenan played an integral role in the development and implementation of CBP’s antiterrorism strategy. In August 2003, McAleenan was named Director, Office of Anti-Terrorism, where he was responsible for ensuring that CBP maximized its antiterrorism efforts with regard to CBP's border security mission, and within the federal law enforcement community, national intelligence community, and homeland security structure. He coordinated the establishment of CBP-wide antiterrorism policy directives, including procedures for responding to encounters with potential terrorists seeking to enter the U.S., and protocols for resolving radiation detection alarms, as well as the development of CBP’s incident management and operations coordination capabilities.
From 2006 to 2008, McAleenan served as the area port director, Los Angeles International Airport, where he managed more than 1,000 employees and directed CBP’s border security operations at LAX and 17 other airport facilities. Combined the facilities screened 9 million passengers and more than 1.5 million cargo shipments annually.
McAleenan received a Service to America Medal, Call to Service Award, in 2005 and was selected as a member of the Senior Executive Service in 2006.
Prior to his government service, McAleenan practiced law in California. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Chicago Law School after earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree, cum laude, from Amherst College.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Augustin de Romanet
Chairman & CEO, Aéroports de Paris
Born on 2 April 1961, Mr Romanet graduated from the Institut d'Études Politiques in Paris and the École Nationale d'Administration in 1986.
He was Managing Director of the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations from March 2007 to March 2012.
Before then, he was Deputy Secretary General to the Presidency of the Republic from June 2005 to October 2006 and held senior positions in various ministries.
Between 2002 and 2005, he was Chief of Staff to the Minister of State in charge of the budget, Alain Lambert; Deputy Chief of Staff of Francis Mer, Minister for the Economy, Finances and Industry; Chief of Staff to Jean-Louis Borloo, the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Cohesion; and Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Datuk Badlisham Ghazali
Managing Director, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB)
Datuk Badlisham bin Ghazali was appointed as Managing Director of MAHB on 23 June 2014.
Datuk Badlisham began his career with Hewlett Packard Group (“HPG”) after his graduation from the USA in 1987. He has progressed well in his career with HPG, being promoted steadily over his 18 years of service where his last position was the Director and Country General Manager of Hewlett Packard Technology Solutions Group in 2005.
On 16 January 2006, Datuk Badlisham was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Non-Independent Director of the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC). At the helm of MDeC, Datuk Badlisham has led the development of the National ICT Initiatives for Malaysia. The MSC Malaysia Initiative has evolved and grown, giving rise to over 3,400 ICT companies that are innovative and globally competitive via a thriving ICT ecosystem in Malaysia. The Digital Malaysia Initiative is underway towards a growing and robust digital economy for Malaysia. He was a member of the Ministry of Education's Cluster School Advisory Board. He is co-chair with Y.Bhg. Tan Sri KSN (Ketua Setiausaha Negara) on the Flagship Coordination Committee (FCC) and co-chair of the Ministry of Education Smart School Program.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Courtney Miller
Regional Manager, Americas, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft
Courtney was appointed to his current position as Regional Manager of the Americas for Bombardier Commercial Aircraft Marketing in January 2011.
Mr. Miller leads the Marketing team responsible for developing and implementing market research, strategic planning, sales campaign support, and airline analysis activities in North and Latin America.
Prior to joining the Toronto Bombardier team in 2009, Mr. Miller worked in Air Network Planning for DHL Express USA, and has been involved in aviation since 2003 when he joined Comair Airlines as a pilot flying the Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet. In that role, Mr. Miller was also responsible for industry and scope clause analysis as the local ALPA Strategic Analysis committee chairman.
Mr. Miller holds a degree in Aviation Technology from Purdue University and a Masters of Science in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
A native of small town Indiana, Mr. Miller currently lives in Dallas with his wife and two young children.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Joel Antolini
Chief Marketing Officer, Diio
Joel Antolini is Chief Marketing Officer and part owner of Diio, Inc., an aviation-based IT development firm. Among its many endeavors, Diio produces Diio Mi, the industry's leading BI tool used by over 350 airlines and airports and partners with IATA and ARC to create PaxIS and DDS, cutting-edge airline ticket-based tools and data used by over 60 airlines around the world.
Additionally, Joel runs Seabury APG's airport- and community-based advisory practices, which has helped clients attract 120+ new routes and carriers over the last 13 years.
Prior to joining Diio and Seabury APG, Joel directed US Airways' Network Planning department, and played a large role in the carrier's major Caribbean expansion and the right-sizing of its heavily Eastern U.S.-focused route network.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Thomas Windmuller
Senior Vice President, Airports, Passenger & Cargo Services, International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Thomas Windmuller has served the global airline industry in a broad cross section of positions over the past 23 years and is IATA’s Senior Vice President Airport, Passenger and Cargo Services.
Prior to this, he was IATA’s Senior Vice President, Member and Government Relations and Corporate Secretary, responsible for IATA’s relations with its Member airlines, governments and industry partners around the world.
Mr. Windmuller has also served as Director of IATA’s Corporate Projects and as the Director of the Simplifying Passenger Travel (SPT) Program. From 1998 until 2000, he served as Director of the IATA Global Y2K Industry Project where he led the global air transport industry effort to prepare for the millennium rollover. He has also served as the Director of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), a coalition of organizations formed to press for economically beneficial aviation capacity improvements in an environmentally responsible manner.
Mr. Windmuller came to the world of civil aviation following a career of diplomatic service for the United States Government. Among his diplomatic assignments, he was responsible for U.S. aviation relations with the European Union and for U.S. aviation security policy. He also served as the U.S. Civil Air Attaché at the U.S. Embassy to the Federal Republic of Germany.
Mr. Windmuller is a graduate of Cornell University and holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He is married with one son and resides in Geneva, Switzerland.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Scott Laurence
Senior Vice President, Airline Planning, JetBlue Airways
Participating Talks and Sessions
Benét Wilson
Social Media/Newsletters Editor, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Benét J. Wilson is the social media/newsletters editor for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. She is a freelance aviation/travel journalist and blogger, serving as the Air Travel Expert for About.com. She has also written for publications and blogs including Cranky Flier, ACI-NA Centerlines, Aviation International News, Airport World and the Airline Passenger Experience magazine. She blogs at AviationQueen.com on aviation and travel topics. She is an Air Force brat and is working on her private pilot's certificate. She resides in Baltimore, Md.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Richard Edgeworth
Chief Safety & Security Officer, City of Chicago Department of Aviation
Richard Edgeworth is the Chief Safety and Security Officer for the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA). Chief Edgeworth directly oversees and manages the Safety, Security and Emergency Management operations at O'Hare and Midway International Airports and is the primary liaison officer with all local, state and federal agencies. He is the federally designated Airport Security Coordinator (ASC). He served 28 years with the Chicago Fire Department and rose through the ranks to the position of Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner prior to joining the CDA in 2010.
Chief Edgeworth has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Chicago Citywide Colleges and a Baccalaureate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science Management from Southern Illinois University. He holds several certifications from the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), National Fire Academy (NFA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Participating Talks and Sessions
Nancy Young
Vice President, Environmental Affairs, Airlines for Americas
Nancy Young was named vice president, environmental affairs for Airlines for America (A4A) in July 2007 and leads the association’s expanding environmental activities. An environmental attorney with more than 20 years of experience, Ms. Young directs the A4A environmental programs, represents the A4A airlines in international negotiations regarding aircraft noise and emissions standards, and provides counsel on other environmental issues of significance. She serves on the Steering Group and as environmental co-lead of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative® (CAAFI), which is working to hasten the deployment of commercially viable, environmentally preferred alternative jet fuels, and the Advisory Board to the Partnership for AiR Transportation Noise and Emissions Reduction (PARTNER). Ms. Young also participates in the working groups under the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection.
Immediately prior to her current engagement with A4A, Ms. Young was a principal/partner at the law firm of Beveridge & Diamond, P.C., where she served as co-chair of the firm’s Climate Change and Waste Management and Recycling practices. Young’s prior engagements include having served as the A4A associate general counsel, environment and international programs, and as a Legislative Assistant to Congressman E. Thomas Coleman (MO).
A native of Kansas City, Mo., Young received her Bachelor of Arts degree from The College of William & Mary in 1986 and a juris doctor degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 1990.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Christophe Viatte
CCO, Air Baltic
Christophe Viatte has more than 15 years experience in airline industry especially in the field of revenue management, pricing, network planning and business development. Since February this year he is Chief Commercial Officer with Air Baltic. Prior to that, he held the position of Executive Director with Czech Airlines. In this role, he had responsibility for all network planning and revenue management functions and over the past years, he was active member of a project team that successfully lead to the purchase of 44% Czech Airlines shares by Korean Air. Before to joining Czech Airlines, he also held senior management positions with Malev, Porter Airlines and Air Canada. He holds a Bachelor degree in Management Studies from University of Quebec in Montreal. Mr. Viatte is a Swiss native and he speaks English, French and German.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Jeremy Robinson
Legal Director, Hill Dickinson LLP (London)
Jeremy is a lawyer with particular expertise in regulatory and competition law problems in the aviation sector. Formerly a partner at boutique aviation law firm Gates & Partners LLP (London and Brussels), Jeremy joined Hill Dickinson in March 2014 as part of a new aviation law team offering a full legal service to the industry. Jeremy has advised airlines on a whole range of issues from the regulation of airline mergers by the EU; State Aid for regional airports; the EU Emissions Trading Scheme for Aviation; airport charges; predatory pricing; airline ownership and control; consumer law; compliance with competition law and airport regulation.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Angela Gittens
Director General, ACI World
Angela Gittens, a twenty-five year airport veteran, began her tenure as Director General of Airports Council International (ACI World) in 2008. Prior to joining ACI, Gittens served as Vice-President, Airport Business Services for HNTB Corporation, where she led the firm’s practice in airport business and strategic planning.
She has held top executive positions at three of the largest US airport systems – Miami International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and San Francisco International Airport – including leadership of a multi-billion dollar capital improvement programme. As Vice president at TBI Airport Management, she oversaw the transition to private ownership of London Luton Airport and managed operations contracts at several airports in the US and Canada.
Gittens has served on numerous aviation industry boards and committees including FAA and NASA advisory committees, the Executive Committee of the National Academy of Science's Transportation Research Board and the Board of Directors of JetBlue Airways.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Alex Heiter
Executive Director, Airline Network & Fleet Planning, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Alex Heiter, an 18-year veteran of the aviation industry, joined Boeing Commercial Airplanes in June 2006. He is currently the Executive Director overseeing the Airline Network and Fleet Planning team within the marketing organization.
Alex leads a group responsible for analyzing and planning route networks and developing fleet plans for air carriers worldwide. Prior to his current assignment Alex was a long range product forecasting focal for the Boeing annual Current Market Outlook (CMO), a 20-year view of the worldwide demand for commercial airplanes. Alex’s on-going duties also include providing consultative services to BCA senior management on various issues regarding the global airline marketplace.
Prior to joining the company Alex worked Continental Airlines, where he served as Senior Manager of Schedule Planning. Other positions held at Continental included Strategic Planning, International Route Planning, Pricing and Revenue Management. Alex has also worked for Sabre Airline Solutions as a principal in their airline consulting practice, working on key accounts in Africa and Latin America.
Alex holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management from Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. He resides in suburban Seattle, Washington with his wife and two children.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Fernando Estrada
Strategy, Alliance and Business Development Director, Vueling Airlines
Fernando currently holds the position of Strategy, Alliance and Business Development Director at Vueling Airlines, where reporting to the CEO, is responsible for business planning, strategy, alliances and corporate development. Prior to that he held responsibilities in network planning, airport planning and slots at Vueling Airlines and led the team responsible of the merger between Vueling and clickair where he enrolled in 2007.
Before working for the airline industry, Fernando made a full range of strategy consulting work for 7 years in more than 8 countries.
Fernando has a BS degree in Telecommunication Engineering and a Master at IESE Business School.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Professor Brian Havel
Director International Aviation Law Institute, De Paul University
Brian F. Havel is Distinguished Research Professor of Law, Director of the International & Comparative Law Program, and Director of the International Aviation Law Institute.
From 2011 through 2013, Professor Havel is the Keeley Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford, Wadham College. Professor Havel holds master’s degrees in law from University College Dublin and Columbia University Law School, as well as a master’s degree in languages and linguistics from Trinity College Dublin and a doctoral degree in international and comparative law from Columbia. He was the Wien Fellow in International and Comparative Law at Columbia and received the inaugural Outstanding Achievement Award of the Parker School of International and Comparative Law at Columbia for his work on international air transport deregulation.
Before joining the DePaul faculty in 1994, he practiced transnational corporate and antitrust litigation at Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison in New York City. His publications have an interdisciplinary focus and include Beyond Open Skies: A New Regime for International Aviation (Kluwer, 2009), a follow-up to his 1997 book, In Search of Open Skies: Law and Policy for a New Era in International Aviation (Kluwer 1997), as well as a number of law review studies including “The Constitution in an Era of Supranational Adjudication” (North Carolina Law Review 2000), “In Search of a Theory of Public Memory: The State, the Individual, and Marcel Proust” (Indiana Law Journal 2005), and “The Emerging Lex Aviatica” (Georgetown Journal of International Law 2011). His biography of his father, Miroslav Havel, late chief designer of Waterford Crystal, was published in Europe in 2006. He is editor in chief of the College of Law’s Issues in Aviation Law & Policy and is a member of the panel of contributing advisors to Kluwer Law’s Air and Space Law.
He is a past chair of the Global Transport and Tourism Governors Meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, a continuing member of the Forum’s Aviation, Travel, and Tourism Council, and has addressed air transport conferences and symposia throughout the world. He was elected to the board of the European Air Law Association in 2005 and to the external board of governors at the International Institute of Air and Space Law at Leiden in 2007. He also was the Fulbright Visiting Professor of Comparative Law and Legal Pluralism for 2007-2008 at McGill University’s Institute of Air and Space Law.
Education
B.C.L., LL.M., Dip. Eur. L., National University of Ireland; B. Mod., M.A., University of Dublin; LL.M., J.S.D., Columbia University; Barrister-at-Law (King's Inns, Dublin)
Participating Talks and Sessions
Josh Marks
CEO, masFlight
Josh Marks is the CEO of masFlight. Prior to founding the company in 2010, Josh was EVP and CFO of eJet Aviation Holdings (2008-2010) and an executive at MAXjet Airways, a transatlantic scheduled carrier rated the #2 global airline (behind Singapore Airlines) by both Travel & Leisure Magazine and Zagat Survey in independent 2007 surveys. At MAXjet, he served as Senior Vice President of Planning, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President between 2003 and 2008. He is also the Executive Director of the American Aviation Institute, a commercial aviation think-tank based in Washington DC, where he leads research on airline regulatory policy, flight operations, revenue and airspace management. Josh holds an MBA and BA from Harvard University and is an active pilot.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Antonio Miguel Marques
CEO Sao Paulo, Guarulhos (GRU)
Antonio Miguel Marques, 57 years old, Brazilian, married, two daughters. He holds a degree in Mining Engineering from School of Mines and Metallurgy of the Federal University of Ouro Preto, a post-graduation degree in Mineral Processing from UFMG (Federal University of Minas Gerais) and a MBA from Coppead-UFRJ (Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Administration of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro). During his career, he was CEO of Construtora Camargo Corrêa, Camargo Corrêa Cimentos, Votorantim Metais and other companies. He also was executive director of Companhia Vale do Rio Doce and director of Billiton Metais and Paranapanema Group.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Michael Miller
Head of Content and Industry Relations, Routes
Michael Miller is Head of Content and Industry Relations for Routes, which is part of the Transport and Technology division of UBM; a leading global event marketing and communications services business. Mike leads the creation and development of Routes conferences at events worldwide, and is responsible for relations with aviation, travel and other industry groups.
Mike has 25 years experience in the aviation industry as both a journalist and consultant prior to joining the Routes team in 2014. He has managed nine aviation publications, mostly under the Aviation Week banner at McGraw-Hill, and has had aviation clients in Europe, North and South America, and Asia. Clients have included Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, US Airways, JetBlue Airways, Bombardier, ALTA and the government of France. He oversaw the creation of the ALTA Airline Leaders Forum. Michael also was Vice President, Strategy, at the American Aviation Institute and President of Miller Air Group. He has been interviewed several hundred times on aviation issues by CNN, BBC, CNBC, NBC, Al Jazeeera and others. He is based in Orlando, Florida.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Hiran Perera
SVP Cargo - Freighters, Emirates Airlines
Mr. Hiran Perera has been in the Airline Industry for over 28 years. He joined Emirates Airline in 1986 as a Cargo Instructor and has worked in various capacities within the Emirates Cargo division i.e SkyCargo. Was involved in the development of a Freighter Operation within Emirates from the onset. Played a key role in developing and expanding the 747 Freighter network.
He is also involved in the assessment/development of the future Emirates SkyCargo freighter fleet comprising of B777F and B747-8F.
Currently he is in the position of Senior Vice President Cargo Planning and Freighters (EK) with an overall responsibility for the freighter programme at Emirates SkyCargo.
Has an MBA from the University of Bradford, UK and a Post Graduate Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, U.K
Participating Talks and Sessions
Mark Pilling
Flightglobal, Executive Director of Content
Mark Pilling is the Executive Director, Content at Flightglobal, the leading data and media service provider to the global air transport and aerospace industry.
In this position he manages the publishing and consultancy operations at Flightglobal, which consists of some 30 journalists and 20 consultants and analysts located all around the world.
He became Executive Director, Content in early 2014. Prior to that he was Publisher of Flightglobal’s publications business, which includes Airline Business, Flight International and Flight Daily News. He was appointed to this position in October 2010.
Mark was previously the Editor of Airline Business magazine, the monthly strategic boardroom title reporting on the air transport industry. He has been a business journalist, specialising in aviation, for his entire career, beginning by reporting on the regional airline business in the late 1980s. He has also edited Airport World and Airports International magazines and was air transport editor on Interavia Aerospace Review.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Edward Ramotowski
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services, Consular Affairs Bureau
Edward Ramotowski is Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services at the U.S. Department of State. He oversees the Visa Office in Washington DC, two domestic processing centers, as well as visa operations at over 200 U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad.
From August 2006 to July 2009 he served as Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara, Mexico, followed by three years as Managing Director for Visa Services. He has also worked as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, Chief of the Consular Section at Embassy Nassau and NIV and ACS Chief in Warsaw. He has also served in Bogota and Kingston. Mr. Ramotowski has served in Washington as a country officer in the Office of Andean Affairs, as well as a watch officer in the Operations Center and on the White House Situation Room staff. He has received several Department of State Superior Honor and Meritorious Honor Awards, as well as the Barbara Watson Award for Consular Excellence.
Mr. Ramotowski joined the Foreign Service in 1986. He is a graduate of Georgetown University and the National War College. He is married to Foreign Service officer Jemile Bertot, and they have two children.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Alan Robinson
President & CEO, Paradigm BioAviation LLC
Paradigm BioAviation LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Paradigm Energies Limited (Paradigm) and Alan Robinson, is the Chairman and founder of the group. Currently Paradigm is in the permitting and design phase of building two Integrated BioRefinery (IBR) in Illinois and Texas, each to process c.175,00 tpy of Municipal Solid Waste and Biomass into Alternative Jet Fuel and Green Power.
As an entrepreneur and innovative user of technology, he has a 30 year track record of success in the fields of aviation, broadband telecommunications and media. He has served as CEO, Chairman and/or Managing Director of companies specializing in the ownership, application and integration of emerging technology into traditional industries of a high capital nature where a sea change in direction results. Alan was the founder of one of the first 11 UK cable telecommunications franchises, which IPO’d in 1994 for
£1.6bn. In the aviation field, Alan was involved as an owner/operator in airport design, construction, and ownership of both pre- existing privatized regional airports and new build airports in UK, Europe and South Atlantic.
Alan has served on the boards of many UK and European companies and trade associations and has been a presenter at a number of bio aviation conferences.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Dr Charles Schlumberger
Lead Air Transport Specialist, The World Bank Group
Dr. Charles E. Schlumberger, a Swiss national, is the Principal Air Transport Specialist of the World Bank inWashingtonDC. In this function he is responsible for the Bank’s policy and development priorities in the field of air transportation. He supervises or participates directly in several air transport projects globally, which range from air transport infrastructure financing, air carrier restructuring and/or privatization, air transport safety and security projects, and air transport policy advice to governments.
Prior to his appointment to the World Bank in 1998, Dr. Schlumberger has held the position of Vice-President at Union Bank ofSwitzerland, responsible for international credit restructuring. Prior to his activities in financial institutions, he was the CEO of a Logistics and Transport Group inFrance, and worked as a lawyer on aviation related matters inSwitzerland.
Dr. Schlumberger graduated in 1986 with a Law Degree from Basel Law School, focusing on Aviation Law and Bankruptcy Procedures. He further holds an MBA from Harvard Business School in Boston, USA, and received a degree of Doctor of Civil Law from the Institute of Air and Space Law of McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He is also an active FAA and EASA licensed pilot and certified flight instructor.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Dr Sani Sener
CEO / Executive Board Member, TAV Airports Holding
Mustafa Sani Şener was appointed as the Member of the Board of Directors, President and CEO of TAV Airports Holding in 1997. Graduated from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Black Sea Technical University (BTU) in 1977, Şener earned his masters degree in fluid mechanics in 1979 from the Department of Applied Sciences, University of Sussex, in UK. He has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from BTU for his invaluable contributions to the development of Turkish engineering to the international standards and another Honorary Doctorate from the Hellenic American University in Greece, for his achievements in project and risk management at TAV Airports.
Before his career at TAV Airports, he filled project manager and general manager positions in national and international projects. Currently he is in charge of managing TAV Group having 44 affiliate companies and more than 40 thousand employees. Şener had executive education on complex systems at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Airports Council International (ACI) Europe.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Matthew Thomas
CEO, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Commercial Leader of Vantage Airport Group
Matthew Thomas is CEO at Liverpool John Lennon Airport in the UK and also offers leadership and strategic direction for the commercial development of airports within the Vanatge Airport Group network.
Thomas has more than 15 years of experience and leadership in the airport sector, with a focus on commercial and financial management, strategic direction and business development as well as considerable experience in post-acquistion and change management.
Thomas joined Vantage in 2008 as Commercial Director, driving the development of commercial programs for the company’s network airports. He also contributed to business development, evaluating global acquisition opportunities. Thomas’ tenure as Commercial Director included secondments to Vantage network airports in the UK and Cyprus. In Cyprus, he was responsible for growing the commercial program within the award-winning terminal buildings in Pafos and Larnaka. He has since become a regular industry speaker, valued for his innovative approach to commercial development.
Prior to joining Vantage, Thomas held senior management positions with Macquarie Airports in Newcastle and Copenhagen, playing a key role in the acquisition and subsequent transformation of Newcastle Airport. Earlier in his career he held various financial roles such as finance director, commercial accountant and investment analyst.
Thomas holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Sheffield and an MBA from Durham Business School. He has completed post-graduate courses in airport planning and management at Cranfield University and is an associate of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Kevin Toland
CEO, Dublin Airport Authority
Kevin Toland has been Chief Executive of Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) since January 2013.
He was CEO and President of Glanbia USA & Global Nutritionals from 2005-2012 and prior to that held a number of senior roles with Glanbia in Ireland. He has also worked with Coca-Cola Bottlers in Russia and with Grand Metropolitan in Ireland and Central Europe.
He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants and holds a Diploma in Applied Finance from the Irish Management Institute.
Participating Talks and Sessions
Thomas Windmuller
SVP - Airports, Passenger & Cargo Services, IATA
Thomas Windmuller has served the global airline industry in a broad cross section of positions over the past 23 years and is IATA’s Senior Vice President Airport, Passenger and Cargo Services.
Prior to this, he was IATA’s Senior Vice President, Member and Government Relations and Corporate Secretary, responsible for IATA’s relations with its Member airlines, governments and industry partners around the world.
Mr. Windmuller has also served as Director of IATA’s Corporate Projects and as the Director of the Simplifying Passenger Travel (SPT) Program. From 1998 until 2000, he served as Director of the IATA Global Y2K Industry Project where he led the global air transport industry effort to prepare for the millennium rollover. He has also served as the Director of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), a coalition of organizations formed to press for economically beneficial aviation capacity improvements in an environmentally responsible manner.
Mr. Windmuller came to the world of civil aviation following a career of diplomatic service for the United States Government. Among his diplomatic assignments, he was responsible for U.S. aviation relations with the European Union and for U.S. aviation security policy. He also served as the U.S. Civil Air Attaché at the U.S. Embassy to the Federal Republic of Germany.
Mr. Windmuller is a graduate of Cornell University and holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He is married with one son and resides in Geneva, Switzerland.