IATA welcomes SVP of member and external relations

IATA has announced its new senior vice president of member and external relations, Sebastian Mikosz, effective June 1.

Mikosz will lead the organisation’s global advocacy activities and aero-political policy development, along with managing the association’s strategic relationships. This includes IATA’s 290 member airlines and governments, international organizations and stakeholders in the private and public sectors.

Mikosz replaces Paul Steele, who retired from IATA in October 2019. Brian Pearce, IATA’s Chief Economist has been handling the duties of this post on an interim basis since then.

He will report to the Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and chief executive, and he will join the Association’s strategic leadership team. 

De Juniac commented: “Mikosz brings with him a wealth of experience in the public and private sectors that will be critical in advancing the global aviation industry’s advocacy agenda.

“At this time of unprecedented crisis, the airline industry needs a strong voice. We must restore the confidence of governments and travelers so that aviation can re-start, lead an economic recovery, and connect the world.

“Mikosz ’s experience in launching and turning-around companies will be invaluable in helping IATA meet the expectations of our members, governments and stakeholders.”

Mikosz added: “Aviation is in crisis and all industry and government stakeholders have high expectations for IATA to play a critical role in driving the recovery.

“From my experience as an airline chief executive and as a member of the IATA Board of Governors, I know how important IATA is to the global connectivity that we usually take for granted. Today’s challenges could not be greater.

“In joining IATA, I am determined to contribute to the efficient restoration of the links between people, nations and economies that only aviation can provide.”

Prior to his new role, Mikos served on IATA’s board of governors and was also group managing director and chief executive of Kenya Airways. Prior to that, he was chief executive of LOT Polish airlines and chief executive of Polish travel agency the eSKY Group.

In addition to his airline experience, Mikosz’s career includes the positions of vice president at the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency, senior advisor at Société Générale Corporate Investment Bank, managing director of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Poland and founder of the online brokerage house Fast Trade.