Executive Managing Director - Aviation Platform

Commercial Aviation Enterprise Leader

Our client, a well-funded organization in a regulated sector, is launching a new commercial aviation operation and seeking a leader to build the enterprise from the ground up. This position offers the chance to shape the foundational elements of an emerging business.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in aviation regulation, strong operational leadership capabilities, and an entrepreneurial spirit suited to navigating a dynamic, high-pressure startup landscape.

Certification & Regulatory Oversight

• Build relationships with key regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders to support operational readiness
• Lead FAA certification and regulatory approval processes, ensuring full compliance with federal aviation standards
• Establish and maintain robust safety, compliance, and operational frameworks that meet or exceed regulatory requirements
• Serve as the primary executive liaison with FAA regulators and other government agencies, ensuring alignment and responsiveness throughout all regulatory milestones

Team Building & Organizational Development

• Set performance culture, decision-making cadence, and accountability standards from day one
• Define organizational structure, roles, accountabilities, and reporting relationships to support regulatory approval and operational scale
• Foster a high-trust, high-performance culture aligned with both safety excellence and brand aspirations
• Recruit, hire, and lead the foundational executive team across operations, safety, compliance, maintenance, and finance functions

Strategic Operations & Implementation

• Develop scalable standard operating procedures (SOPs), governance structures, and systems to support future expansion
• Oversee strategy, operational partnerships, vendor relationships, and readiness milestones
• Define and execute the operational roadmap from planning through launch and early-stage growth
• Balance service delivery with disciplined cost management and uncompromising safety standards

Customer Experience, Brand & Market Strategy

• Ensure operational delivery consistently reflects the positioning and brand promise
• Partner with key stakeholders to shape service standards, service philosophy, and customer experience standards
• Position the business competitively within the travel market
• Integrate service excellence into operational processes, training programs, and frontline accountability

Investor & Board Engagement

• Maintain transparency and accountability in all board and investor communications
• Present operational progress, regulatory milestones, and financial performance to investors and stakeholders
• Participate in fundraising efforts and represent the company's vision and capability to current and prospective investors
• Serve as the senior executive interface with the Board of Directors, providing strategic updates and seeking guidance on key decisions