CDB Aviation, a wholly-owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing, promoted Fiona Scott to the newly created role of chief people officer.

In her new role, as a member of the CDB Aviation’s C-suite, Scott will be responsible for setting and overseeing the execution of the business’ overall people strategy in line with its environmental, social and corporate governance goals, leading all aspects of talent acquisition and engagement, training and development and performance management, as well as building an culture of diversity, inclusivity and personal growth.

“As a world-spanning and fast-growing platform, there is no doubt that people are our most valuable asset,” Patrick Hannigan, CEO of CDB Aviation, said. “Cultivating an inclusive and highly engaging culture, underpinned by an effective people organization, is the key to ensuring our company’s resiliency and delivering utmost value to our stakeholders. Fiona is well suited to lead the way in shaping our people organization as we continue to grow and build on our successes.”

Scott joined CDB Aviation as a talent acquisition advisor and, in 2019, assumed the position of head of human resources to lead the lessor’s HR and change management initiatives.

“I am very excited to step into this expanded role to lead our people organization,” Scott said. “The challenges of today’s workforce are aplenty, particularly for a company that operates in such a dynamic, globalized environment. At CDB Aviation, our people have always been our strategic differentiator, and we are fortunate to have a tremendous group of contributors. I look forward to driving programs that will support improved performance and ensure that we have a best-in-class workplace.”

With more than 20 years of experience in managing talent and operations, Scott has served in managerial and consulting roles at several organizations, both in Ireland and across Europe. In 2017, Airline Economics recognized her as one of the industry’s ‘40 under 40.’ Scott also co-founded PropelHer, a grass roots initiative focused on the exchange of ideas, opinions and experiences around topics relevant to the aircraft leasing industry. She also serves on the board of directors of the Advancing Women in Aviation roundtable and the not-for-profit Aoibhneas.