APEX in Profile: Dr. Ehtisham Siddiqui
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Dr. Ehtisham Siddiqui
Vice-President and General Manager of Commercial Aircraft Solutions
BAE Systems
What does your typical workday look like?
I get to work around 7:30 a.m. and leave around 7 p.m. A typical workday involves reviewing ongoing programs, strategizing with my leadership team on business issues, having calls with customers and partners, and just walking around to connect with employees. Of course, I travel quite a bit to visit with customers, as well as the various facilities that support my business.
Did you choose the airline industry or did it choose you?
I would say that it chose me. When I was finishing my education, I was focused more on the power-generation business as it was more closely related to my area of research. However, my advisor asked me to interview with GE Aerospace, as a friend of his had reached out to him. So, I did, and fell in love with the challenge given to me – designing a 141-horsepower motor that was six inches in diameter and six inches long for an aerospace application. That assignment led to others and here I am.
What’s the best seat on the plane?
I love the lie-flat seats and take full advantage of them, especially when flying overseas.
Three things about where you live that make you want to live there.
I live in upstate New York in a city called Binghamton, 200 miles west of New York City. It was the birthplace of IBM and the airplane-simulation business (Link Simulation started here), has a great university and is very affordable. Within about three hours, you can be in New York City, Philadelphia or the Adirondacks.
Book you’re currently reading?
I am now reading World Order by Henry Kissinger, which describes how world affairs have always been chaotic. I have also ordered Return of the King by William Dalrymple, which is about the first battle in Afghanistan.
The game you’re best at?
I play table tennis quite well, although not enough to maintain the proficiency I desire.
One thing you wished people cared more about?
Ownership. I often see people make excuses rather than take full ownership for their actions.
The career path you considered but never followed?
I considered becoming a physician but was deterred by the long working hours required. Looking back now, it would have been no different from my current work schedule.
Fail-proof travel tip?
Do not get stressed out when flights get delayed or canceled. Find something interesting to do.
Favorite book as a child?
Ian Fleming’s From Russia with Love. It made me fall in love with James Bond!
If you had the APEX editorial team over for dinner, what would you make us?
You would not want to eat what I cook.