12 Days of Boyden – Day 9: Shaping the Future of Executive Search in Aviation, Travel, Transport, and Leisure

Welcome to Day 9 of the 12 Days of Boyden series! Today, we spotlight Boyden’s expert in the aviation, travel, transport, and leisure sectors: Rick White. With over 25 years of global executive search experience, Rick brings deep expertise in leadership dynamics to clients in these industries. Known for his strategic insights and broad network, Rick partners with top firms to recruit transformative leaders who drive performance and align with long-term goals in a competitive, global market.

Q: What was a key achievement for you in 2024?

Rick: A significant achievement for me in 2024 was hosting a podcast with an airline industry expert. It allowed me to delve into the evolving challenges within the aviation sector and gain valuable insights that I can share with my clients.

Q: What was the most significant challenge facing the aviation, travel & leisure sector this year?

Rick: One of the biggest challenges has been staying ahead of the coverage of major events and regulatory shifts in the industries I serve. With the pace of change, particularly around sustainability and technological advancements, it’s critical to ensure we are always informed and prepared to advise clients effectively.

Q: What industry trends do you believe will define the future of the aviation, travel & leisure sector?

Rick: There are several trends that will continue to shape the future of the aviation, travel, and transport industries. First is the rise of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the growing regulatory pressures around environmental concerns, like taxes on flying. Second is the ongoing transformation driven by AI and digital technologies, which will increasingly influence how we approach leadership and talent recruitment. Finally, a trend I’m following closely is the sensitivity to environmental issues, which is creating a new dynamic in how organisations recruit and manage talent.

Q: What are the most critical skills for executives in the aviation, travel & leisure sector in 2025?

Rick: Executives in my sector will need to be well-versed in operational understanding, particularly in the areas of B2C experience, and have a strong grasp of AI applications as the technology becomes more embedded in operations and customer engagement. Additionally, the knowledge of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and its implications for the aviation and transport sectors will be crucial as environmental concerns become more pronounced.

Q: What do you see as the biggest hurdle for executives in the aviation, travel & leisure sector next year?

Rick: One of the biggest hurdles I see is the pressure on margins and the need for executives to adapt to cost-cutting measures while still driving innovation. The second challenge is the need to be more AI-savvy and open to digital change. As new technologies and efficiencies emerge, leaders who resist or fail to keep up with these changes will struggle to stay competitive.

Q: How can companies in the aviation, travel & leisure sector prepare for these upcoming challenges?

Rick: Companies should invest in external training for their leaders to experience working in more digitally advanced organisations. This will help executives become more comfortable with AI and digital transformations. Also, gaining an understanding of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and its regulatory environment will be essential for aviation and transport leaders as they navigate the transition to more sustainable operations.

Q: How are hybrid and remote work models impacting the aviation, travel & leisure sector’s approach to leadership?

Rick: Most companies are now accepting of hybrid work models, but they are introducing safeguards to ensure continued productivity. In industries like aviation and transport, where operational demands are often on-site, this presents a unique challenge. However, there is a growing recognition that hybrid leadership can drive innovation and performance when managed correctly.

Q: What changes in work models do you anticipate for the aviation, travel & leisure sector in 2025?

Rick: In 2025, I expect to see more local people filling roles that were once filled by expatriates, particularly in regions that were traditionally reliant on international talent. This is driven by both cost considerations and the increasing sensitivity to environmental concerns—for example, reducing carbon emissions associated with long-distance relocations. There will also be an ongoing shift towards more flexible and digital-first work models as technology continues to transform how teams collaborate and deliver.

Q: What one piece of advice would you give to leaders navigating the challenges in the aviation, travel & leisure sector?

Rick: My advice would be to continue to experience international working and seek opportunities that expose you to both environmental and digital change. As the demand for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) grows, leaders should promote these values more proactively and use their platforms to drive both cultural and operational change within their organisations.

Rick’s deep expertise and global experience in executive search for the aviation, travel, transport, and leisure sectors position him as a trusted advisor for organisations seeking transformative leadership. By staying ahead of industry trends like AI, digital transformation, sustainability, and DEI, Rick ensures that his clients have the right leaders in place to navigate an increasingly competitive and evolving global market.