IFEC developer and supplier, Panasonic Avionics has named Ken Sain as its new chief executive officer (CEO), beginning on 2 December, 2019. Sain most recently served as vice president of digital solutions and analytics for Boeing Global Services, and prior to that was CEO of Boeing subsidiary, Jeppesen. Sain succeeds Hideo Nakano, who has served in the role since 2017 and as deputy CEO prior to that. Nakano will now serve as special advisor for Panasonic Avionics.
Hideo Nakano said of the moves, “Throughout his career, Ken has demonstrated tremendous leadership in change management and business growth. This proven legacy of success, combined with his expertise in developing and launching inflight digital solutions, will no doubt help accelerate our mission to make flying an experience everyone looks forward to.”
Sain spent the last 14 years of his career with Boeing in various roles including strategy, technical engineering services and digital solutions. In his most recent role leading digital solutions and analytics, he oversaw significant growth in Boeing’s customer-facing digital solutions portfolio, using agile software development to launch new products and cloud-based solutions for airline and business aviation customers around the world.
Prior to joining Boeing, Sain was a principal with global management consulting firm, A.T. Kearney. For over 10 years, he specialised in business strategy, operations and top-line growth for major airlines, airline alliances and travel technology providers.
Sain holds a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Northwestern University. After graduating from Northwestern, Sain was part of a small team established to found Midway Airlines and subsequently served the airline in operations, market planning and as director of marketing.
