Paul Smith

Background

About Paul Smith

Extensive commercial and business development skills with many successful new opportunities delivered including three new joint ventures in India, three successful business acquisitions in Australia and New Zealand as well as numerous organic airline handling contracts won across Asia Pacific. Proven strategic management skills demonstrated through active participation in the planning and execution of Menzies Aviation 3 year business plan. Translating corporate objectives into tangible regional and location specific deliverables. Extensive operational knowledge with proven ability to continually deliver stretching performance targets, continually improving productivity while maintaining the balance between cost and great service. Proven project management skills demonstrated through the successful start up of 4 large scale operations in India. Encompassing the construction of cargo warehouses as well as recruitment, training and procurement. Proven leadership skills developed through managing a cross-cultural, team through consistent organisational change. Maintaining motivation and focus through effective communication and people management. Facilitated international meetings of Mandarin, Cantonese and Indian. Extensive change management experience gained through lead roles in the British Airways Change Program & 2002 Future Size & Shape reviews. Comprehensive experience in organisational downsizing gained through the closure of 6 airport operations in Asia Pacific and the move to a lower cost model across Europe. Proven ability to lead large scale, pan-regional projects & IT transitions whilst maintaining operational & delivery requirements e.g. Y2K and the change to a new global reservations system Specialties: Dual Australian/British citizen with over 20 years senior management experience in the aviation sector encompassing commercial as well as operational front line management. A proven leader experienced in organisational change, cross cultural people management and financial control. An internationally mobile professional with successful assignments completed in Thailand, Australia, UK, France, Macau and India