Jeffrey N. Shane appointed IATA General Counsel

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announces the appointment of Jeffrey N. Shane as General Counsel. Shane will begin working with the Association from 2 April 2013 and will be based at its headquarters in Montreal.

Shane joins IATA from the law firm of Hogan Lovells US LLP where he has been a partner since 2008. Prior to that Shane served as the United States Undersecretary of Transportation for Policy, US Department of Transportation (DOT) from 2003-2008, a position to which he was appointed by then President George W. Bush. In this role, Shane supervised all economic regulation of aviation as well as US international aviation relations. His tenure at DOT encompassed the signing of the landmark European Union-US Open Skies agreement.

Shane has spent more than 25 years in public service, primarily focusing on international aviation, including serving as DOT Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs; Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Affairs, US Department. of State; and DOT Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs. Shane also served as Chairman of the IATA Agenda for Freedom Summits in 2008 and 2009. He is a recipient of the L. Welch Pogue Award for Lifetime Achievement in Commercial Aviation, presented by Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine. Shane succeeds Gary Doernhoefer, who is leaving IATA.

“Jeff has had a long and distinguished career in public service and in his law practice. He brings to IATA a deep understanding of the complex aero-political and commercial issues that affect our business as well as a genuine affection for aviation. I also want to thank Gary for his many contributions to IATA. During his three years here, he restructured the legal department with a focus on internal service and industry leadership. We wish Gary well in his future endeavors,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Shane said, “My long involvement in commercial aviation–both in the public and private sector–has given me an enormous respect for the importance of the global connectivity that only this industry can provide. I have also come to appreciate the critical work being carried out by IATA to support the industry and deliver value to its members. I am excited to be joining an organization that has such an extensive and positive impact on global travel and commerce.”