Juliet Thomson is Chief People Officer at Menzies Aviation, where she leads the global people and communications strategy.
With more than a decade at Menzies, she stepped into her current role at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and now oversees workplace culture and employee engagement for a team of over 50,000 people — set to grow to 65,000 following the acquisition of US-based G2. Juliet lives on the East Lothian coast in Scotland with her husband and two children.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry?
The biggest challenge I’ve experienced in the industry has been the recruitment and retention of frontline colleagues – an issue that we continue to take very seriously. I stepped into the role of head of HR at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, during which we had to make some really tough decisions to safeguard the business. Those decisions, while necessary, impacted a significant number of our team and marked a particularly difficult period for us all. Rebuilding from that point and working to restore confidence in the industry has been a major undertaking. While it’s great to see improvements in attracting and retaining talent in recent years, it’s still an ongoing challenge – and one the entire industry must address to protect our industry for the future.
At Menzies Aviation, we’ve launched a number of initiatives to tackle this issue. One area, for example, includes a focus on increasing the representation of underrepresented minority groups in the industry – an opportunity we believe the wider sector should also prioritise.
Window or aisle seat?
Aisle seat, always! The thought of being trapped in a row and having to interrupt someone’s plane-nap just to get to the bathroom is a big no from me.
Tea or coffee?
Tea, preferably herbal. I’ve never been a coffee drinker. I keep saying, “Maybe I’ll learn to like coffee when I grow up…” but that hasn’t happened yet!
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie?
For the ultimate brain switch-off – I enjoy a bit of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills! It’s pure escapism and a fascinating glimpse into another world.
What’s the most exciting place you’ve visited for work?
In my role, I am extremely fortunate to travel to many beautiful places, meet wonderful people and experience different cultures, from places as exciting as Pakistan to Hong Kong. Just last week I had the pleasure of visiting our operations in Guadalajara and Cancún in Mexico. What makes these places so special to me isn’t just the destinations themselves, but the people. Hearing their stories, their pride in their work, gratitude for the support and passion for being part of the aviation industry is deeply humbling. It’s a real honour – and one I feel very lucky to experience.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Be where you are.”
As an executive in a global, 24/7 industry, and a mother of two high-energy boys with hectic schedules, it is easy to be pulled in a million directions. I try to be fully present in whatever I’m doing. When I’m at work, I focus on being fully engaged – connecting with colleagues and prioritising what will truly make a difference for our people. And when I’m with my boys, I do my best to give them my undivided attention. In today’s constantly connected world, distractions from emails and other notifications are everywhere. That’s why I believe it’s so important to consciously protect your focus and be present in the moment.
What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?
Before joining Menzies, I worked in private practice as an employment lawyer. I then took on various legal and compliance roles within Menzies before transitioning into HR. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed moving into the business side of things, rather than advising from afar – and leaving behind billable hours has definitely been an added bonus!
