October 21, 2020
APEX ANNOUNCES 2020-2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(ATLANTA) – The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), which represents the world’s leading airlines, airports, alliances, suppliers, and related companies committed to elevating the air travel experience for passengers, announced their 2020-2021 Board of Directors.

The new Board was named during the association’s first digital Annual General Meeting (AGM). The virtual nature of the meeting allowed record member participation. During the AGM, APEX members heard operational, financial and strategic updates directly from the association’s officers, directors, and staff.

“As the airline industry prepares for global recovery, members of the association selected a Board of Directors that brings experience, expertise, and seasoned judgement to help guide APEX during these unprecedented times,” said Lauren Costello, APEX Executive Director. “In the years ahead, the new Board of Directors will continue to provide value to all members, via thought leadership, virtual and in-person events, advocacy, best practice development, and engagement.”

Several members were re-elected to the 2020-2021 APEX Board including President: Anton Vidgen, Director, Brand Experience, Air Canada; Vice President: Andres Castañeda, Chief Customer and Digital Officer & EVP, Aeroméxico; Treasurer: Joan Filippini, Senior VP, Non-Theatrical Sales, Paramount Pictures; Director: Akira Mitsumasu, Vice President, Global Marketing, Japan Airlines and Director: Zina Neophytou, Vice President, Out of Home BBC Studios. Stefan List, Head of Cabin Market Insights, Airbus was elected as a new Board Director.

These Board members join President Emeritus: Juha Järvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic; Secretary: Maura Chacko, Vice President, Development, Spafax; Directors: Perry Cantarutti, Senior Vice President Alliances, Delta Air Lines; Michael Childers, Chief Consultant, Content and Media Strategy, Lufthansa Systems and Jovita Toh, Chief Executive Officer, Encore Inflight Limited.

Elected by APEX members, the Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers from both airline and vendor member companies. Each member brings unique insights and diverse experiences to meet the growing needs of the association and industry.

THE 2020-2021 APEX BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers

  • President – Anton Vidgen, Air Canada
  • Vice President – Andres Castañeda, Aeroméxico
  • Treasurer – Joan Filippini, Paramount Pictures
  • Secretary – Maura Chacko, Spafax
  • President Emeritus – Juha Järvinen, Virgin Atlantic

Directors

  • Perry Cantarutti, Delta Air Lines
  • Michael Childers, Lufthansa Systems
  • Stefan List, Airbus
  • Akira Mitsumasu, Japan Airlines
  • Zina Neophytou, BBC Studios
  • Jovita Toh, Encore Inflight Limited

For more information about APEX, please visit apex.aero, sign up for the APEX Daily Experience e-newsletter, or follow APEX on TwitterFacebook and LinkedIn.

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About the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)

As a global non-profit and one of the world’s largest international airline associations, APEX accelerates our industry with the backing of nearly every major airline and valued supplier.  In conjunction with both the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) and Future Travel Experience (FTE), APEX serves the full spectrum of the end-to-end travel experience.  APEX reinvests all of its resources to serving its members, strengthening the worldwide airline industry, advancing thought-leadership, fostering business opportunities via events, developing global initiatives, setting key airline standards, and highlighting well-deserved recognition across our industry.  For more information, please visit apex.aero.