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Dr. Joe Leader
Group Chief Executive Officer, APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Assoc.), IFSA (International Flight Services Assoc.), and Future Travel Experience (FTE)
Dr. Joe Leader is the Group Chief Executive Officer of APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association), IFSA (International Flight Services Association), and FTE (Future Travel Experience).12 He has held this position since 2015, leading one of the largest international airline associations in the world.23
Dr. Leader has an extensive background in aviation and technology, with over two decades of experience as a leading executive across various companies.2 His educational background includes:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Business from Walden University
- MBA in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix
- MA and BA degrees from Emory University1
In his role at APEX, Dr. Leader:
- Works with senior executives from leading airlines, industry suppliers, government organizations, and major media groups to improve passenger experience initiatives2
- Conducts dozens of keynote speeches and interviews worldwide each year2
- Serves as an industry leader backed by two Boards of Directors and a Board of Governors consisting of global airline CEOs and Presidents24
Dr. Leader is also known for his expertise in airline passenger experience and has testified before the US Congress on airline passenger experience advances and COVID-19 preparedness.4 He is a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences, often presenting on topics related to the future of air travel and passenger experience.1
Highlights
SAS - Scandinavian Airlines CEO Anko van der Werff opens Future Travel Experience EMEA / Ancillary tomorrow morning here in #Dublin!
We got to catch up over dinner in a throwback to when the two of us first connected at Aeromexico: a Mexican speakeasy restaurant here in Dublin! An unforgettable evening and a great prelude to the first-ever SAS flight to #Atlanta next week!
APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association)• IFSA (International Flight Services Association)• Future Travel Experience

Yesterday in Paris, I met with Air France-KLM President of FlyingBlue Ben L. — a long time industry friend from my first year at APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association).
Like me, Ben joined the industry with a passion for the passenger perspective and as a fellow participant on FlyerTalk long before we gained our wings. Amazing to see his passion for loyalty continuously advancing our world further, faster, and better!
