Akbar Al-Baker

Company: Qatar Airways

Position: Chief executive officer (CEO)

Biography Doha-born Akbar al-Baker is a graduate in economics and commerce. He worked at various levels in the Qatari Civil Aviation Directorate before becoming Qatar Airways’ CEO in 1997.

Since then, Al-Baker has spearheaded the growth of Qatar Airways, which operated only four aircraft in a regional capacity before his appointment. Qatar Airways now flies to 86 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, South Asia and North America. Al-Baker is also leading the development of the multibillion-dollar New Doha International airport, scheduled to open in 2011.

Al-Baker holds a private pilot’s licence and also is CEO of several divisions of Qatar Airways including Qatar Airways Holidays, Qatar Aviation Services, Qatar Duty Free Company, Doha International airport, Qatar Distribution Company and Qatar Aircraft Catering Company.

Contact: (+974) 449 6106; http://www.qatarairways.com/uk/en/homepage.html