The former chief executive of the Monarch Travel Group has been appointed to lead IATA’s regional operations in Asia Pacific.
London-born Conrad Clifford takes on an executive vice-president role from February 1.
Clifford, who was raised in south London, has worked in commercial aviation for more than 30 years.
He started his career at Cathay Pacific before moving to Virgin Atlantic and then Emirates.
After leaving Monarch is 2012, he served as acting managing director of Antrak Air Ghana.
It was his second foray into the African market after heading up Virgin Nigeria between 2005 and 2009.
Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO, said Clifford would bring a unique perspective to the organisation.
“He has broad and deep experience in both airlines and suppliers; and has lived and worked in many countries in Asia and around the world," said Tyler.
"I am confident he will provide strong leadership to IATA’s activities as we serve our airline members and industry stakeholders in the dynamic and exciting Asia-Pacific region.”
The son of a second-hand car dealer, Clifford studied Oriental languages at Cambridge University and speaks fluent Thai and some Korean.
He said: “I look forward to leading IATA in Asia Pacific as we embark on the 2nd century of commercial aviation.
“The region offers tremendous opportunities. Many governments are using aviation as a critical element of their economic strategies.
“Some, however, are struggling to provide the foundation for the industry’s success.
“In both cases IATA has an important role to play."
Clifford succeeds Maunu von Lueders, who is retiring from IATA, and will be based in IATA’s Singapore office.