Regional CEO

dnata is one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers, offering ground handling, cargo, travel and catering & retail services at over 130 airports in more than 30 countries across six continents.

As Regional CEO dnata Airport Operations - APAC & MEA, you will be accountable for the delivery of the business and strategic objectives for all of dnata Airport Operations within the Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa Region. This includes accountability for all operational, commercial, financial and business development targets in alignment with Airport Operations (AO) divisional and onednata strategy.

In this role, you will:

• Be responsible for formulating and executing both long and short-term regional strategies, ensuring alignment with the dnata AO global strategy as outlined by the CEO dnata Airport Operations. Maintain a minimum three-year planning horizon in accordance with the Medium Term Plan (MTP), while effectively and efficiently deploying resources and manpower to optimise operational performance.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships by partnering and engaging with key internal and external stakeholders, as well as customers, to drive customer satisfaction and achieve service excellence. Act as a representative of One dnata, fostering collaboration with local and global customers, airports, and authorities.
• Monitor and evaluate business performance against agreed metrics, including financial, operational, people, safety, quality, and sustainability, while supporting Business Leaders in implementing effective corrective actions where necessary. Proactively identify opportunities for continuous improvement in the company's performance and product or service offerings.
• Ensure all business activities are conducted in compliance with the dnata Way governance framework and all applicable local and international laws, regulations, standards, and rules. Act in the company's best interests at all times, ensuring decisions are made within authority limits and supported by appropriate due diligence and risk analysis.
• Maintain and drive profitable business growth within the region. Innovate and seek to introduce new products or service offerings that support business growth and customer needs, including engaging other dnata divisions with one dnata opportunities and initiatives.
• Proactively diagnose problems and oversee the resolution of these. Drive creative problem solving for unexpected or challenging problems.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and best practices, ensuring product and services offering is aligned. Attend major industry forums, exhibitions, and conferences.
• Prioritise safety in all decision-making, serving as a role model for safety behaviours and holding direct reports accountable for adhering to dnata’s safety standards and best practices.
• Establish clear, measurable objectives for direct reports at the functional or departmental level, aligned with dnata’s framework and processes. Drive accountability for performance while providing the necessary support and resources to enable success.
• Act as a member of the Board of Directors for the assigned region, as required.
• Use systems and data to develop insights that will support the decision-making process to proactively define actions that will drive business efficiency and success in areas such as financial projections and scenario planning for the selection and execution of strategic initiatives and business development opportunities; driving profitability of contracts and services through pricing and commercial tools; identification of underlying root causes for operational performance and resource planning inefficiencies to establish targeted improvement programmes.

To be considered for the role, you must meet the below requirements:

• A degree or honours qualification is required; possession of an MBA is desirable.
• A minimum of 15 years of experience in Airport Operations within an international airline or ground handling organisation, of which at least 6 years in a senior leadership role is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in greenfield projects or business start-ups would be an advantage.

At dnata, part of Emirates Group, we’re committed to providing our employees with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers. So if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, apply today and join our team!