Former Monarch Travel Group chief executive Conrad Clifford is joining Iata as regional vice president for Asia Pacific.
He starts his Singapore-based role on February 1, succeeding Maunu von Lueders, who is retiring from the global aviation body.
Clifford’s career in aviation spans more than 30 years including spells at Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates and Monarch for two years from 2010.
He is moving to Iata from his position as acting managing director of Antrak Air Ghana.
Iata director general and chief executive Tony Tyler said: “Conrad brings to Iata a unique perspective. He has broad and deep experience in both airlines and suppliers; and has lived and worked in many countries in Asia and around the world.
“I am confident that he will provide strong leadership to Iata’s activities as we serve our airline members and industry stakeholders in the dynamic and exciting Asia-Pacific region.”
Clifford said: “The region offers tremendous opportunities. Many of the region’s governments are using aviation as a critical element of their economic strategies. Some, however, are struggling to provide the foundation for the industry’s success.
“In both cases Iata has an important role to play. I, personally, will place a key priority on further developing Iata’s partnerships across the region.”