The International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) has named former Airbus UK chief Katherine Bennett CBE as 2022’s Woman of Excellence.
Now CEO of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult Ms Bennett was with Airbus for almost 17 years rising from director of communications through to be a board member for Airbus Operations Ltd and Airbus Helicopters Ltd.
She took on her current role in June 2021.
“Katherine’s unwavering commitment to the advancement and support of women in this field and the development of the next generation of leaders is unparalleled,” said IAWA President, Kathleen Guilfoyle. “I cannot think of a more deserving candidate for this prestigious award.”
IAWA says that Ms Bennett was given the Award for her commitment to women in the industry across the world, including her work founding the UK’s chapter of Women in Aviation and Aerospace, and her involvement in the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Ms Bennett is the eleventh recipient of the IAWA Award and previous recipients have included NASA mathematician and engineer Dr. Christine Darden and former President and Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce North America Inc. Marion Blakey.
Ms Bennett was awarded a CBE in 2019 for services to the aerospace and aviation sector.
