Executive Managing Director - Aviation Platform

Our client is a well-capitalized company in a regulated industry, currently in the early stages of building a new commercial aviation operating venture. The role provides an opportunity to contribute to the foundational development of the business. This role requires a rare combination of deep aviation regulatory expertise, operational leadership, and the entrepreneurial mindset to thrive in a fast-moving, high-stakes startup environment. Regulatory & Certification Leadership • Lead FAA certification and regulatory approval processes, ensuring full compliance with federal aviation standards. • Serve as the primary executive liaison with FAA regulators and other government agencies, ensuring alignment and responsiveness throughout all regulatory milestones • Establish and maintain robust safety, compliance, and operational frameworks that meet or exceed regulatory requirements • Build relationships with key regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders to support operational readiness Organizational Build & Team Leadership • Recruit, hire, and lead the foundational executive team across operations, safety, compliance, maintenance, and finance functions • Define organizational structure, roles, accountabilities, and reporting relationships to support regulatory approval and operational scale • Set performance culture, decision-making cadence, and accountability standards from day one • Foster a high-trust, high-performance culture aligned with both safety excellence and brand aspirations Operational Strategy & Execution • Define and execute the operational roadmap from planning through launch and early-stage growth • Develop scalable standard operating procedures (SOPs), governance structures, and systems to support future expansion • Balance service delivery with disciplined cost management and uncompromising safety standards • Oversee strategy, operational partnerships, vendor relationships, and readiness milestones Brand, Customer Experience & Market Positioning • Partner with key stakeholders to shape service standards, service philosophy, and customer experience standards • Ensure operational delivery consistently reflects the positioning and brand promise • Integrate service excellence into operational processes, training programs, and frontline accountability • Position the business competitively within the travel market Board & Investor Relations • Serve as the senior executive interface with the Board of Directors, providing strategic updates and seeking guidance on key decisions • Present operational progress, regulatory milestones, and financial performance to investors and stakeholders • Participate in fundraising efforts and represent the company's vision and capability to current and prospective investors • Maintain transparency and accountability in all board and investor communications Requirements • Deep commercial aviation regulatory experience, including significant involvement in FAA certification processes. • Proven executive leadership as CEO, President, COO, VP Operations, or General Manager in aviation or similarly regulated, safety-critical industries • Proven experience overseeing organizational development and launch activities, including team formation, systems development, and regulatory processes • Strong command of FAA regulations, safety management systems (SMS), and compliance frameworks applicable to commercial aviation operations • Exceptional judgment and credibility in navigating complex regulatory environments and building trust with government agencies • Ability to operate effectively in complex, high-ambiguity settings with changing priorities • High credibility across diverse stakeholder groups, including technical teams, operational staff, board members, and investors • Strategic and operational versatility: able to think big-picture while driving detailed execution • Willingness to travel extensively and relocate as operational needs require Preferred Qualifications • Direct leadership experience in FAA certification processes for aviation operations. • Background in aviation or service industries with a focus on customer experience and brand differentiation • Experience in private aviation, charter operations, or emerging aviation business models • Experience integrating brand vision with operational execution, ensuring service delivery aligns with market positioning • Investor-facing leadership experience, including fundraising, stakeholder management, and articulating vision to financial backers • Track