Aviation
10 heads of data in Aviation
These ten data leaders hold or have held chief data officer or head of data titles at airlines, airports and aviation groups. A reader can learn how airline and airport data teams are built, governed and applied to business problems.
Professionals to explore
01—10Abdulgader Attiah
LinkedInExperience: Chief Data Officer · Saudi Airlines
Former Chief Data Officer at Saudi Airlines (2021–2022) and Chief Data and Technology Officer there (2023–2026); since September 2026 the profile lists Chief Digital and Ancillary Officer at Saudi Airlines. Other Saudi Airlines roles include Manager Partnerships (2017–2021) and Senior Specialist Network Planning (2012–2016).
Christopher Zeiss
LinkedInExperience: Head of Data and Advanced Analytics · Lufthansa
Head of Data and Advanced Analytics at Lufthansa since August 2018, leading a team the profile says consists of product owners, data scientists and data engineers and is responsible for developing and operating data products. Other Lufthansa roles include Project Lead Data Science (2016–2018) and Manager Personalized Customer Experience (2014–2016).
James Walsh
LinkedInExperience: Head of Data, AI and Risk Governance · Aer Lingus
Head of Data, AI and Risk Governance at Aer Lingus since June 2025; the profile describes Aer Lingus as an airlines and aviation company. Other Aer Lingus roles include Business Information Security Officer (BISO) (2021–2025), Strategic Programme Manager (2020–2025) and Head of PMO (2018–2019).
Jochen Hoesch
LinkedInExperience: Head of Data, AI & Analytics · IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd)
Head of Data, AI & Analytics at IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) since May 2026; the profile describes IndiGo as an airlines and aviation company. Former Group Head of AI Strategy & Partnerships (2024–2026) and Head of Digital & New Business (2018–2024) at Airbus, and Vice President Enterprise Analytics at Emirates (2016–2018).
Jon Pruitt
LinkedInExperience: Chief Data Officer · Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Chief Data Officer at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport since February 2025 and Chief Data Officer (Interim) there from October 2024 to February 2025. The profile says the role leads data strategy, governance and innovation for the airport and reports to the CIO. The profile also lists Director Of Information Technology at the airport (2017–2024).
Joshua Sangwook Lee
LinkedInExperience: Head of Data · AirAsia
Head of Data at AirAsia since October 2025; the profile describes AirAsia as an airlines and aviation company. Former AI Platform Lead AI Solution Architect at PETRONAS Digital Sdn Bhd (2021–2025) and Head of Data Engineering, Principal Data Engineer & Machine Learning Engineer at ADA (2018–2021).
Julie Pozzi
LinkedInExperience: Head of Data & AI · Air France-KLM
Former Head of Data & AI at Air France-KLM (2025–2026), and SVP IT Development there since January 2026; the profile describes Air France-KLM as an airlines and aviation company. Other Air France-KLM roles include IT Director - Operations Research (2018–2025) and Strategic Project Manager (2017–2018).
Nick Beresford
LinkedInExperience: Head of Data & Analytics · Heathrow
Head of Data & Analytics at Heathrow since March 2020, alongside Operations Intelligence Manager there since 2018. Other Heathrow roles include Integrated Planning & Performance Manager (2014–2018) and T2 Operations Planning Manager (2014); the profile headline mentions CDO Hub and Evanta CDO Community membership and a 2024 DataIQ Future Leader recognition.
Wicus du Preez
LinkedInExperience: Head of Data · Saudi Airlines
Former Head of Data at Saudi Airlines (2023–2024) and at AirAsia (2021–2023), and Vice President - Data & Analytics at Oman Air since July 2024, a role the profile says uses data science and operational research to improve airline performance and customer experience. Former Analytics & Customer Insights Leader at Etihad (2018–2021).
Xavier Lagardere
LinkedInExperience: Chief Data Officer & VP Innovation · Lufthansa Group
Former Chief Data Officer & VP Innovation at Lufthansa Group (2021–2026), alongside Managing Director at Lufthansa Innovation Hub (2024–2026). Vice President - Enterprise Data & Analytics at Qatar Airways since March 2026, and former Vice President - Group Head of Distribution at Lufthansa Group (2016–2020).
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's setting to yours, since running data for an airport operator differs from running it for an airline or a multi-airline group. Also weigh whether your question is about strategy and governance or about building platforms and analytics teams, and favor people whose notes describe that kind of work.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How do you organize a data team so that operations, commercial and customer groups all get what they need?
- 02Which airline or airport data use cases delivered measurable value first, and how did you prove it?
- 03How do you set up data governance when flight, passenger and partner data sit in many separate systems?
Reaching heads of data in Aviation
How can I contact one of these heads of data in Aviation?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 9 companies, including Saudi Airlines, Lufthansa and Aer Lingus, based on profile data retrieved on October 3, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach heads of data in Aviation?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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