KQ Former CEO Sebastian Mikosz Appointed IATA Vice President

Former Kenya Airways (KQ) Chief Executive Officer Sebastian Mikosz has been appointed as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) senior vice president for member and external relations.

Mikosz is set to take office on June 1, 2020. This will be his first role since his departure from the KQ’s top seat at the end of 2019.

“I can’t wait to get started at IATA. 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 CEO and member of the IATA Board, I know how important IATA is to global connectivity,” Mikosz said.

Last year, Mikosz announced the decision to exit the airline ahead of the end of his contract in May 2019 to pursue personal interest having served the airline for close to two years at the time.

Before his exit, the National Assembly had rejected his proposal of a joint venture to co-operate the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) alongside the Kenya Airport Authority (KAA).

Previously, Mikosz served at the international agency Board of Governors parallel to his time at Kenya Airways.

He is expected to lead the organization’s global advocacy activities and aero-political policy development, along with managing the association’s strategic relationships.

Mikosz was replaced by Allan Kilavuka who was named as the new KQ CEO effective April one having been tapped first from sister carrier Jambo Jet on an interim capacity.

Formerly, Mikosz was the head of the sky, a travel agency based in Poland but has previously served as the President and CEO OF LOT Polish Airlines.