Kenya Airways' Titus Naikuni recognised at Airline Strategy Awards

Titus Naikuni (above) was given the prestigious Airline Business Award while the Executive Leadership Award went to James Hogan of Etihad.

The Airline Business Award this year was presented to a chief executive who took the helm of his airline a decade ago from outside the industry. “Titus Naikuni quickly set about steadying the ship as Kenya Airways struggled in a difficult operating environment, bringing a period of stability and profitability,” said Kingsley-Jones. “During his 10 years at the helm, Naikuni has steered Kenya Airways on to a profitable and stable growth path and established it as one of Africa’s leading airlines.”

Hogan was recognised by the judges for leading Etihad’s aggressive development of partnerships and shareholdings across the globe while steering the airline onto a profitable course.

“Hogan’s bold and innovative strategy is shaking up the industry and potentially redrawing the battle lines in the alliance world,” said Max Kingsley-Jones, editor of Airline Business. “His tactics have helped Etihad gain significant access in key markets and quickly established the airline as a truly global player.”

The Airline Business Award this year was presented to a chief executive who took the helm of his airline a decade ago from outside the industry. “Titus Naikuni quickly set about steadying the ship as Kenya Airways struggled in a difficult operating environment, bringing a period of stability and profitability,” said Kingsley-Jones. “During his 10 years at the helm, Naikuni has steered Kenya Airways on to a profitable and stable growth path and established it as one of Africa’s leading airlines.”

The 2013 winners were:
The Airline Business Award: Titus Naikuni, group managing director and chief executive, Kenya Airways
Executive Leadership: James Hogan, president and chief executive, Etihad Airways
Low Cost Leadership: Carolyn McCall, chief executive, EasyJet
Regional Leadership: Tewolde GebreMariam, chief executive, Ethiopian Airlines
Finance: Ryanair
Marketing: Turkish Airlines
Technology: Lufthansa
Environment: KLM

Max Kingsley-Jones, editor of Airline Business, said: “As airlines compete amid challenging economic times and high fuel prices, strong leadership is an essential quality for those that prosper. Over the last 12 years, The Airline Strategy Awards have recognised the industry’s best-in-class at boardroom leadership, and this year’s winners all excel in this regard.”