Mark Watson

Mark Watson

I arrived at SBAC in October 2006 at a time when the public and media scrutiny of aviation's impact on the environment was increasing significantly. Hardly a day went by when aviation was not in the headlines. For me, addressing the issues around aviation and climate change were a real challenge and I relished the opportunity to get involved in what was rapidly becoming the number one issue for our sector.

I have come into the sector via a somewhat unconventional route. I began my career in environmental management and poverty alleviation, undertaking a PhD in the Caribbean and then going into international consultancy. My work has included managing international development projects for aid donors such as the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) in China and Africa, as well as advising investment banks on the social and environmental impacts of their lending in developing countries.

I have also worked for government departments and agencies, advising on sustainable development issues and, more recently, have been a lobbyist in the energy sector specialising in corporate social responsibility. But I have always had a fascination with aviation, it runs in the blood, with members of my family having worked in the defence and civil aviation sectors, and so, when the opportunity arose at SBAC, I jumped at the chance.

Since joining, environment and sustainability issues have continued to be at the forefront of our work and the profile of our members in this area has increased. We are now in a position to expand our team and will be implementing a comprehensive programme of work in 2007-8 that includes research, policy development, stakeholder engagement and communications, in collaboration with our industry partners.

For me, no two days at SBAC are the same, each throws up a different challenge, so this is a great place for someone who is highly motivated and likes to be challenged. Since arriving, I have been involved in the production of the industry's first progress report on its Sustainable Aviation Strategy.

At present, I am working with our members to plan our work programme for the coming year, which gives me the chance to work with some of the leading players in the industry such as Airbus and Rolls-Royce. It really is fascinating. I am also engaged with members on taking forward work on environmental management and in improved performance within their supply chains. But, on a given day, I could also find myself meeting senior industry representatives, government officials, talking with consultants or explaining what the industry is doing to address climate change with members of the public.

Aerospace is a fantastic sector in which to work and being at SBAC, you'll get a first hand insight into the challenges ahead and the excellent work being undertaken by our members in so many areas. Anyone joining SBAC will certainly be stretched to deliver their best work and achieve results.