Industry veteran Leo Knaapen joined the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) as head of the organization’s industry partner program. Knaapen steps into this role after retiring from Bombardier at the end of 2022 after more than 30 years with the Montreal-based airframer.

Most recently chief of industry affairs for Bombardier, Knaapen had been responsible for overall engagement with civil aviation organizations and industry, particularly in the areas of safety and environmental sustainability. He was recognized for his efforts, becoming IBAC’s first recipient of its François Chavatte Award for Lifetime Service to Business Aviation and also receiving NBAA’s Order of the Silver Scarf.

In the newly-created position at IBAC, Knaapen will lead the organization’s efforts to serve the global business aviation community at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and expand its advocacy and outreach. IBAC director general Kurt Edwards said Knaapen brings “a depth of experience as a worldwide industry leader and an important contributor to IBAC and other key industry organizations.”

“I am excited to join IBAC and look forward to strengthening the global business aviation industry at the ICAO level while encouraging a broader Industry engagement across the business aviation sector,” Knaapen said. “It’s now time to spread the word and build our partner base, so IBAC can accelerate the good work already underway and address emerging issues.”