Paul Steele is a recognized advocate for the broader travel and tourism sector and an expert in international relations and sustainable business. Until 2019 he was Senior Vice President of Member and External Relations, and Corporate Secretary of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where he guided and implemented IATA’s strategic advocacy and stakeholder relationship activities worldwide. He spearheaded the development of the aviation sector’s pathway to a sustainable future and the adoption of global CO2 reduction targets under the auspices of the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Paul also served as the Executive Director of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), a cross-industry body that promotes sustainable aviation, from 2008 to 2014.

Prior to joining IATA in 2007, Paul was Chief Operating Officer of WWF International where he led the NGO’s engagement with business. Before WWF, Paul had over 20 years’ senior management experience with major international companies.  His roles included Chief Executive of The Virgin Trading Company; Senior Vice President Sales, Marketing and Information Technology of the Hilton Hotel Group, covering 150 hotels in 50 countries and various senior roles over 15 years with Pepsi Cola International, lastly serving as Group Vice President in charge of Northern Europe.

He holds a degree in Business Administration with French and a Diploma in Industrial Studies from Loughborough University and is a former faculty member of the Prince of Wales’s Business and the Environment Programme run by Cambridge University.