International Airport Summit 2024

Speakers

#IARSummit
The Steigenberger Airport Hotel Amsterdam

13th — 14th November 2024

Vernon Taylor

Vernon Taylor

Director of People Operations

JFKIAT

JFKIAT logo

Mr. Taylor pioneered the establishment of JFKIAT’s corporate People Operations department and built it from the ground up, implementing new People Operations policies and providing employees with a wide range of resources and benefits. The department was founded on the belief that human capital is JFKIAT’s greatest asset.

With people in mind, Mr. Taylor is also chair of JFKIAT’s 4GOOD Committee, which is aimed at promoting educational, social, and professional success, driven by the mission that a strong community yields a strong future.

Prior to joining JFKIAT, Mr. Taylor served as the Director of Human Resources at Open Loop New York a subsidiary of RATP Group. From automobiles to buses, to planes, Mr. Taylor has excelled at transforming the culture and building impactful People Operations departments within the transportation sector. Mr. Taylor earned a Bachelor’s degree from Berkeley College in Business Administration with a focus in Management and holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Change Management from Milano The New School for Management & Urban Policy; additionally, he is a Society Human Resources Management (SHRM) Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).

Panel Discussion

10.10 am

Future workforce:

Attracting and retaining staff to build a strong pipeline of talent

The industry has become less attractive to candidates – with a reputation for poor pay and ‘polluting the planet’. With this in mind, how are airport leaders finding ways to attract, train and retain, the next generation and build the skills needed in the future? By addressing the key challenges and opportunities in skill development and workforce planning, stakeholders can collaborate to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of airports in an evolving landscape. Join this session to hear airports discuss:

  • The tech reshaping roles and responsibilities within airport operations
  • Initiatives bridging the gap between academic programmes and industry demand
  • How airports can invest in upskilling and reskilling initiatives to prepare their workforce for the integration of automation and robotics technologies?
Fred Lam with Hong Kong International Airport logo
Fred Lam

Chairman
Hong Kong International Airport

Luis Soto with El Dorado International Airport logo
Luis Soto

Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Technology Officer
El Dorado International Airport

Vernon Taylor
Vernon Taylor

Director of People Operations
JFKIAT

Sarah Marquez with Denver International Airport logo
Moderator: Sarah Marquez

Senior Vice President of Operations
Denver International Airport

Panel Discussion

10.50 am

DEIB:

Improve business decision making by creating an exceptional work environment

The aviation industry is a great enabler of socio-economic growth for local communities and regions. Fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) is a strategic necessity given the critical role that airports play as hubs of connectivity and gateways to the world. Airport workforces should reflect the diverse communities they serve to ensure that all passengers and stakeholders feel welcome, safe, and valued. Join this session to hear airports discuss:

  • Strategies airports are employing to promote diversity within the workplace and create a safe space to empower and retain talent
  • Effective recruitment, leadership, and allyship tactics
  • Addressing intersectional challenges and promote equity for underrepresented groups, driving systemic change
Anelia Dimova with Sofia Airport Logo
Anelia Dimova

Chief of HR
Sofia Airport

Ivonne Schlesinger with Fraport logo
Ivonne Schlesinger

Senior Vice President HR People and Culture
Fraport AG

Vernon Taylor
Moderator: Vernon Taylor

Director of People Operations
JFKIAT