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- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is not just a goal, it is a business imperative
Juliet Thomson
Chief People Officer
At Menzies Aviation , we’re proud that ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day, we are celebrating a significant milestone – achieving our goal of 25% women in senior leadership roles.
Aligned with International Air Transport Association (IATA) ‘s 25by2025 voluntary initiative, this target was more than just a business metric, but our commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable and dynamic workplace, where every employee is equipped with the tools and training to thrive.
With operations at more than 300 airports in 65 countries, and a 50,000-strong team, our strength lies in reflecting the communities we serve, ensuring our workforce is as dynamic and inclusive as the airline customers, airport partners, and passengers we support.
By fostering an environment where women and underrepresented groups have access to meaningful career opportunities, we’re not only driving performance but creating a more equitable industry. It’s why reaching this milestone isn’t just about hiring more women into leadership roles – it’s about creating the right conditions for success.
In the aviation industry, women have historically been under-represented in senior leadership positions, but through mentorship programs, leadership training, employee engagement and strong allyship initiatives, we’ve empowered women within our business to progress in their careers and step into senior leadership roles.
Our Thrive, Women in Leadership program is a great example of this and highlights the power of community in fostering growth and mutual success. Since its launch in 2022, we’ve seen more than 125 employees complete the programme, learning how to harness their strengths, recognise areas for growth, and align their values for personal and professional growth. This community aspect is crucial as it provides a network of encouragement, diverse perspectives, and collaborative learning opportunities.
Reflecting on my own journey, I joined Menzies over a decade ago in the legal department and have since held various roles, including Legal Counsel, VP Employee Relations & Compliance, EVP People, and now Chief People Officer (CPO).
Taking on the CPO role at the start of the pandemic was both daunting and exciting. It was a time of immense uncertainty, but also an opportunity to rebuild, reshape and position our business for future growth. Initially, I hesitated to apply for the role with two young children at home, but the strong encouragement I received from both male and female allies, gave me the confidence to take the leap, and I’m glad I did. I’ve been fortunate to work with a supportive leadership team that truly believes in making Menzies Aviation a great place to work, and a dedicated people and communications team that tirelessly support our global business.
I’m incredibly proud of the significant strides we’ve made in increasing female representation in senior leadership – particularly in historically male-dominated operational roles. These strong, experienced women are making a tangible difference across our business, helping to shape our future and set new standards for excellence in our industry. Their success is testament to what’s possible when we commit to breaking barriers and championing diversity at every level.
While we reflect and celebrate this achievement, it is not the finish line. True progress requires sustained action, industry-wide collaboration, and a continued commitment to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. It’s the reason why we’re looking beyond 2025, and to what’s next. As part of our All In sustainability strategy, we are committed to further enhancing diversity and building an inclusive environment for all employees.
We’ve made significant progress against our target of 40% of women in mid-level leadership roles by 2033, reaching 29% across the global business to date. In addition, we’re committed to recruiting refugees equivalent to 1% of our global workforce by 2026, working closely with organisations such as the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and Tent Partnership for Refugees to make this possible.
Our journey is far from over, but we are committed to breaking barriers, providing pathways for growth, and empowering talent at every level, so that every employee can reach their full potential and shape a future with us.
For those considering their next career step, my advice:
- Take the opportunity when it comes.
- Don’t rule yourself out before you’ve given it a shot.
- Surround yourself with a strong team, trust and empower them, and rely on their expertise while supporting them when needed.
We rise by lifting each other, and together, I’m confident that we can build an aviation industry that embraces diversity, inclusion and equity – not just for today, but for the long term.
Juliet Thomson
Chief People Officer