In The Pilot's Seat An Audience with Carolyn Mccall OBE

A brand new collaboration for the Forum takes off this month when we team up with Newcastle International Airport and easyJet to offer members a rare and exclusive opportunity to meet the CEO of one of the world’s busiest and best known airlines.

We are delighted to extend an invitation to members and guests to enjoy lunch with Carolyn McCall OBE, Chief Executive of easyJet, for a fascinating insight into the dynamic life of running a passenger carrier that revolutionised an industry by challenging convention from day one.

Set against a backdrop of rising fuel prices, environmental pressures and air traffic disruption, Carolyn and other senior members of easyJet will explain the airline’s strategy and plans and examine how its model continues to be a business success story.

easyJet is Newcastle’s biggest carrier, Carolyn will discuss the importance of regional air links.

The airline has recently invested in additional capacity and a new route to Amsterdam, demonstrating its confidence in the region and supporting its role as a committed local employer.

The event is certain to be of enormous interest not only to members whose businesses operate in the travel, tourism and transport sectors but to anyone with a stake in the long term economic success of the North East.

This is a chance to share in the knowledge of the head of a major international brand with a good chance that the ideas you gain will help your own business soar to new heights.

The event will be introduced by David Laws, Chief Executive of Newcastle International Airport. 

Learn more about Carolyn....

Carolyn’s own story will offer members and guests plenty of insight, tips and knowledge as she shares her experience of running commercial organisations.

She joined easyJet as CEO in 2010 in the wake of the volcanic ash crisis with no background in the aviation industry. She did, however, have an exceptional track record in management to draw on having previously led the Guardian Media Group through some of the most challenging times in a generation.

Carolyn was non-executive director of Lloyds TSB (from 2008–2009) and was a non-executive director of Tesco Plc (2005-2008), and of New Look plc (1999-2005). She was Chair of Opportunity Now and a former President of Women in Advertising and Communications London (WACL).

Carolyn has been a member of the Royal Academy Corporate Board for the last two years.

Carolyn was awarded the OBE for services to women in business in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June 2008. In April 2008 she was named Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year.

She graduated from Kent University with a BA in History and Politics, and from London University with a Masters in Politics.

easyJet was established by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou in 1995 and a year later operated its first wholly owned aircraft on its first European route. In 1998 it really took off after on-line tickets sales were launched from easyJet.com.

In the same year it ordered 15 brand new Boeing next-generation 737-700 aircraft with a list price of half a billion pounds, proving it was no small player any more. It gained nationwide profile with the screening of Airline on ITV and in 2005 took delivery of its 100th aircraft.

Today the business boasts more than 200 aircraft, 600 routes, operating from 130 airports, 30 countries and 23 bases, and carries 55 million passengers annually.

This is a not to be missed event and we urge you to book early to secure your place.

Attendance at this event for Forum members and corporate partners is included in their membership package. As places are strictly limited please advise us of any cancellations 72 hours ahead of the event.

A buffet lunch will be served ahead of the main speech, with further time afterwards to chat with Carolyn, fellow Forum members and guests.