Qatar Airways Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Qatar Airways has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, and legal affairs.

Committed to global connectivity, Qatar Airways delivers premium air transportation services while driving tourism development and international trade across its extensive network of commercial centers and regional markets.

Leadership Roles at Qatar Airways

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ilker Baybars
  • Strategic Advisor & Group Chief Executive Officer - Arasnipala Srinivasan
  • Group Chief Executive Officer - Akbar Al Baker
  • Group Chief Executive Officer - Hamad Al-Khater
  • Chief Financial Officer - Duncan Naysmith
  • Chief Operating Officer - Abdulla Ali
  • Chief People Officer - Antonio Schulthess
  • Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel - Krishan Sinnadurai
  • Ilker Baybars - Chief Executive Officer

    Ilker Baybars, the Chief Executive Officer at Qatar Airways, directs the overarching corporate strategy to maintain market leadership in international aviation. Baybars architects long-term growth initiatives that expand the airline's reach across major commercial hubs and emerging tourism destinations. By aligning passenger service standards with global demand, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent operational excellence. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to optimize the carrier's competitive position. Ilker Baybars monitors performance metrics to drive efficiency across all passenger-facing departments. Through rigorous oversight of service quality, the Chief Executive Officer secures the airline's reputation for premium travel experiences. Baybars fosters collaboration with international partners to enhance connectivity, ultimately strengthening the company's influence within the global aviation sector while supporting the broader economic objectives of the State of Qatar.

    Arasnipala Srinivasan - Strategic Advisor & Group Chief Executive Officer

    Arasnipala Srinivasan, the Strategic Advisor & Group Chief Executive Officer at Qatar Airways, provides high-level guidance on complex business transformations and long-term corporate planning. Srinivasan evaluates emerging opportunities within the global aviation landscape to ensure the airline remains at the forefront of industry innovation. As the Strategic Advisor & Group Chief Executive Officer, Srinivasan coordinates with executive leadership to refine the company's approach to international market expansion and trade connectivity. This role involves analyzing macroeconomic shifts to mitigate risks while identifying new avenues for revenue growth. Arasnipala Srinivasan drives the implementation of strategic frameworks that support the airline's mission of connecting travelers across diverse regional markets. By bridging the gap between high-level vision and operational execution, the Strategic Advisor & Group Chief Executive Officer ensures that all business units remain focused on sustainable development and long-term profitability for the entire group.

    Akbar Al Baker - Group Chief Executive Officer

    Akbar Al Baker, the Group Chief Executive Officer at Qatar Airways, manages the comprehensive portfolio of aviation services and group-wide assets. Al Baker directs the expansion of the airline's fleet and network, ensuring that the company maintains a dominant presence in international air transportation. As the Group Chief Executive Officer, Al Baker oversees the integration of cargo operations and passenger services to maximize operational synergy. This leadership role requires constant engagement with global aviation authorities and industry stakeholders to influence policy and promote trade. Akbar Al Baker drives the development of infrastructure projects that enhance the airline's capacity to serve major commercial centers. By prioritizing innovation in customer loyalty programs and service delivery, the Group Chief Executive Officer sustains the company's competitive edge. Al Baker ensures that all group activities align with the national aviation strategy, fostering robust economic growth and international connectivity.

    Hamad Al-Khater - Group Chief Executive Officer

    Hamad Al-Khater, the Group Chief Executive Officer at Qatar Airways, focuses on the optimization of group-wide operational efficiency and the scaling of international service capabilities. Al-Khater directs the implementation of advanced logistics and supply chain solutions to support the airline's extensive cargo and passenger network. As the Group Chief Executive Officer, Al-Khater manages the alignment of regional market operations with the company's overarching commercial goals. This role involves overseeing the performance of various business units to ensure consistent service delivery across all global touchpoints. Hamad Al-Khater drives initiatives that enhance the airline's operational resilience in the face of fluctuating market conditions. By streamlining internal processes and fostering cross-departmental collaboration, the Group Chief Executive Officer supports the company's commitment to excellence. Al-Khater ensures that the organization remains agile, responsive, and capable of meeting the evolving needs of international travelers and commercial partners worldwide.

    Duncan Naysmith - Chief Financial Officer

    Duncan Naysmith, the Chief Financial Officer at Qatar Airways, manages the financial health and capital allocation strategies for the entire airline group. Naysmith directs the budgeting, financial reporting, and investment planning processes that underpin the company's global operations. As the Chief Financial Officer, Naysmith oversees the management of fiscal risks associated with international fuel markets, currency fluctuations, and large-scale fleet acquisitions. This leadership role involves providing the Board with critical insights into revenue performance and cost-efficiency measures. Duncan Naysmith drives the development of financial models that support the airline's expansion into new regional markets and tourism destinations. By maintaining rigorous financial controls and transparency, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the company's long-term stability. Naysmith coordinates with other executive leaders to align financial resources with strategic priorities, ultimately enabling the airline to invest in premium services and infrastructure that maintain its competitive position in the global aviation industry.

    Abdulla Ali - Chief Operating Officer

    Abdulla Ali, the Chief Operating Officer at Qatar Airways, oversees the daily execution of flight operations, ground services, and technical maintenance across the global network. Ali directs the teams responsible for ensuring safety, punctuality, and service quality for every passenger flight. As the Chief Operating Officer, Ali manages the complex logistics of the airline's hub-and-spoke model, connecting travelers seamlessly between major commercial centers. This leadership role involves optimizing flight schedules and resource allocation to maximize operational throughput. Abdulla Ali drives the adoption of new technologies that improve ground handling and aircraft turnaround times. By monitoring real-time performance data, the Chief Operating Officer identifies areas for process improvement and ensures that all operational departments adhere to international aviation standards. Ali maintains a focus on operational reliability, which remains essential for the airline's reputation as a premier provider of international air transportation services.
    Abdulla Ali

    Antonio Schulthess - Chief People Officer

    Antonio Schulthess, the Chief People Officer at Qatar Airways, leads the human capital strategy to support a diverse, global workforce across the airline's international operations. Schulthess directs talent acquisition, leadership development, and employee engagement programs that align with the company's service-oriented culture. As the Chief People Officer, Schulthess oversees the implementation of training initiatives that ensure staff members deliver premium experiences to passengers worldwide. This leadership role involves managing organizational design to support the airline's growth in various regional markets. Antonio Schulthess drives policies that promote workplace safety, inclusivity, and professional growth for all employees. By fostering a high-performance environment, the Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce remains motivated and capable of meeting the demands of the competitive aviation sector. Schulthess collaborates with other executives to integrate human resources strategies with the company's broader business objectives, ultimately strengthening the organization's internal capabilities and service delivery.
    Krishan Sinnadurai, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Qatar Airways, manages the legal framework governing the airline's international operations and commercial partnerships. Sinnadurai directs the legal team in navigating complex regulatory environments, aviation law, and cross-border trade agreements. As the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel, Sinnadurai oversees the protection of the company's intellectual property, contractual obligations, and corporate governance standards. This leadership role involves providing strategic counsel to the Board and executive team on matters of risk management and compliance. Krishan Sinnadurai drives the resolution of legal disputes and ensures that all business activities adhere to international aviation regulations. By mitigating legal exposure, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel supports the airline's ability to expand into new markets and maintain its global connectivity. Sinnadurai ensures that all commercial agreements and partnerships are structured to protect the company's interests while facilitating its long-term growth and operational success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Qatar Airways Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Qatar Airways?
    Qatar Airways is led by Ilker Baybars (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Arasnipala Srinivasan (Strategic Advisor & Group Chief Executive Officer) and Akbar Al Baker (Group Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Qatar Airways’s executive team?
    The executive team of Qatar Airways includes leaders such as Ilker Baybars (Chief Executive Officer), Arasnipala Srinivasan (Strategic Advisor & Group Chief Executive Officer), Akbar Al Baker (Group Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Qatar Airways have?
    Qatar Airways has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Qatar Airways’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Qatar Airways includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Strategic Advisor & Group Chief Executive Officer, Group Chief Executive Officer, Group Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer.