Julie Reifer-Jones named LIAT CEO

Reifer-Jones is the first woman to head the airline

Regional airline Leeward Islands Air Travel (LIAT), Tuesday announced the appointment of Barbadian Julie Reifer-Jones as its new chief executive officer, more than a year after the former CEO stepped down from the position.

Reifer-Jones, an accountant, is the first woman to be appointed to head the airline – whose major shareholders are Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St Vincent & the Grenadines.

LIAT said that prior to joining the airline as chief financial officer in 2008, Reifer-Jones held several senior finance positions and has more than 25 years of experience in the fields of finance and management.
“Reifer-Jones has served at LIAT in the number 2 position for some 9 years and in that capacity has acted as CEO for extended periods on several occasions,” said the airline’s chairman, Jean Holder.

“In addition to her familiarity with the people and culture of the region and her intimate knowledge of the company, her financial credentials should complement the practical experience of the airline industry she has acquired on the job. I wish her well as she undertakes one of the most challenging assignments in the region,” he added.

Reifer-Jones said she was delighted with the appointment and is looking forward to delivering an improved level of service from LIAT to the region.

The new CEO takes charge of the airline at a time when the carrier is facing financial stress.