NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Airline
Passenger Experience Association (APEX), today announced the
selection of Joe Leader as Chief
Executive Officer of the nearly 40-year-old international
association. As CEO, Leader will serve as the global champion
for APEX, working with senior executives at all of the world's
leading airlines, top industry suppliers, government organizations,
major media groups, and related industry leaders to elevate the
travel experience for all passengers.
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"The APEX Board of Directors selected Joe as our association's
CEO because of the depth of his experience, education, and
leadership. He has a comprehensive understanding and
appreciation of all aspects of passenger experience," said APEX
President Alfy Veretto of Virgin
America. "We are confident Joe will take APEX to the next
level of global recognition and influence that will bring
transformative, positive change for the air travel industry."
As CEO, Leader will be working with APEX's worldwide team to
further the association's growth and success, while prominently
positioning APEX as the most influential, value-driven membership
organization in the industry. In addition to fostering ancillary
revenue opportunities for airlines, Leader will represent the
association before industry groups and governments. He will also
serve as an industry spokesperson on public policy matters and
global strategic alliances.
Leader will demonstrate the impact APEX members have had across
all aspects of the passenger experience at APEX EXPO in
Portland, Oregon on Sept. 28, highlighting advances in cabin,
comfort, ambience, entertainment, connectivity, catering, seating,
and service. During his speech, he will also share his vision
for APEX's expanding industry leadership globally as passenger
experience becomes a growing profit center for airlines.
Considered the industry's most comprehensive and exclusive trade
event, APEX EXPO is expected to draw more than 3,500 members and
influencers in air travel.
In a four-month search process, Leader was selected from over
600 high profile CEO applicants, who were screened and interviewed
via the renowned Marlborough aviation executive search group.
Prior to joining APEX, Leader served in executive roles at aviation
and technology companies for more than two decades. He
previously worked as the president of an international aviation
association, led the advancement of aviation booking technology
expansion at a multi-billion dollar GDS company, and served in the
international leadership of advanced technology companies.
With a passion for education, Leader's business Ph.D. dissertation
research focused upon accelerating the passenger adoption of new
aviation technology. Leader also holds undergraduate and
graduate degrees from Emory University
alongside an MBA/TM focused upon technology management.
"I am honored to join the incredible team at APEX and to serve
our members who represent the full breadth of the air travel
industry," said Leader. "The airline passenger experience is
currently the central differentiating factor amongst carriers
worldwide. This is why APEX will continue its longstanding
commitment to working closely with members and partners to advance
that experience in a manner that positively benefits our customers,
our industry, and the countless individuals who work tirelessly to
make air travel a pleasure."
Recognized as an aviation expert, Leader has been quoted by
major news outlets including The New York
Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Financial Times, and the
Harvard Business Review. Leader has previously been
engaged as a key presenter for the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), National Business Aviation Association
(NBAA), European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), Latin
American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (LABACE),
Customer Engagement Marketing Summit, Direct Marketing Association,
CMO, and Loyalty360. As APEX CEO, Leader will continue to
leverage his expertise for global media opportunities, with a focus
on industry advances, highlights, and issues.
Leader joins a team of experienced industry professionals at
APEX who oversee key committees, communications, marketing,
finance, strategy, trade shows and all internal APEX operations.
APEX's worldwide team includes offices and lead personnel in
Atlanta; Beijing; Brussels; Chicago; Denver; London; Montreal; New
York; Orange County,
California; Santiago,
Chile; and Washington,
D.C.
About The Airline Passenger Experience (APEX)
APEX encompasses a network of businesses and professionals that
are committed to providing a world-class airline experience for
passengers around the globe. As a non-profit, APEX reinvests
all of its resources to better serve its members. Every day,
APEX members evaluate the passenger experience through an
influential community and are improving every aspect of the airline
experience: from designing, building and installing seating,
entertainment and communications systems on commercial aircraft, to
airport lounges and inflight dining. APEX works to strengthen
the industry and enable business opportunities through education,
innovation, networking and recognition. For more information,
please visit APEX.aero.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may
be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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SOURCE The Airline Passenger Experience (APEX)