The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced Sebastian Mikosz will join the organisation as senior vice president for member and external relations. The appointment will take effect on 1 June.

Most recently, Mikosz was group managing director and chief executive of Kenya Airways (2017-2019), during which time he served on the IATA board of governors. During his tenure, the carrier was recognised as Africa’s leading airline in business class by voters at the World Travel Awards. Prior to his time in Kenya, he was the chief executive of LOT Polish Airlines and the chief executive of Poland’s largest online travel agency, the eSKY Group.

At IATA, he will lead global advocacy activities and aero-political policy development, along with managing strategic relationships. This includes the association’s 290 member airlines as well as governments, international organisations and stakeholders in both the private and public sectors. He will report to chief executive, Alexandre de Juniac, and join the strategic leadership team.

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