Boston, MA – May 13, 2013 – L.E.K. Consulting, a global management consulting firm, has named Frederick “Fred” W. Reid, a 30-year aviation industry veteran, as Senior Advisor. Reid has held top executive positions at four of the world's largest airlines. Under his leadership, global airlines like Delta Air Lines and Lufthansa have strengthened their airline business functions, with a focus on customer service, brand-building and complex global operations.

“We at L.E.K. are pleased and honored to partner with Fred,” said John Thomas, a Managing Director and Head of L.E.K.’s global Aviation and Travel Practice. “Fred is a trailblazer in the industry who will work with our team to advise our clients on enhancing their strategic and business performance, forging new opportunities and increasing shareholder value.”

Before retiring from active aviation management in 2012, Mr. Reid most recently held the position of President of Flexjet, an independent operating unit of Bombardier, the world’s largest business aviation manufacturer. Prior to that, he was the founding CEO of Virgin America, leading the way in shaping America's "next-generation domestic U.S. airline.” He was also the first U.S. national selected as President and COO of a major non-U.S. airline when he was appointed to that role with Lufthansa German Airlines, and served as President and COO of Delta Air Lines.

“I am pleased to partner with L.E.K.,” said Fred Reid. “It’s the leading advisor to the aviation industry, so I’m joining a team that delivers exceptional work to help clients achieve outstanding business results.”

Mr. Reid has also held marketing and management positions with Pan American World Airways and American Airlines. He currently serves on the Advisory Boards of Thayer Ventures, a VC firm focused exclusively on technology and innovative products for the global hospitality industry, and of The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease.

About L.E.K. Consulting 
L.E.K. Consulting is a global management consulting firm that uses deep industry expertise and analytical rigor to help clients solve their most critical business problems. Founded 30 years ago, L.E.K. employs more than 1,000 professionals in 22 offices across Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. L.E.K. advises and supports global companies that are leaders in their industries – including the largest private and public sector organizations, private equity firms and emerging entrepreneurial businesses. L.E.K. helps business leaders consistently make better decisions, deliver improved business performance and create greater shareholder returns. For more information, go to www.lek.com.

About L.E.K. Consulting Aviation Practice
L.E.K. Consulting is the premiere advisor to the global aviation industry and related aviation, airport, aerospace and travel ecosystems. Having completed more than 700 aviation engagements spanning airlines, airports, B&GA and aviation authorities, L.E.K. Consulting has guided companies across the aerospace value chain for more than 25 years. Just recently, the firm’s expertise into some of the most complex and pressing challenges facing the industry helped five global carriers double their market capitalizations over the previous five years.

Our wide-ranging capabilities have evolved from a deep-seated commitment to unleash powerful revenue streams. Our expertise encompasses: airline M&A and consolidation, operations optimization, corporate and network strategy, new product development, ancillary revenue/merchandising, loyalty programs, customer flight experience, consumer engagement “Beyond the Cabin”, and flight operations and optimization.

L.E.K. Consulting‘s unified global reach and methodical analysis provides senior industry executives with the confidence to make game-changing decisions in the face of market instability.

 

Reid Brings Global Reputation as Savvy Negotiator and Innovative Problem Solver to the Firm’s Global Aviation and Travel Practice