Tom Owen is Director Cargo at Cathay, leading Cathay Cargo and its global business units in Cargo Commercial, Cargo Planning, and Cargo Service Delivery. He also oversees Air Hong Kong, Global Logistics Systems, and the Cathay Cargo Terminal. A veteran of the Swire Group since 1995, Tom has held senior positions across Sales, Revenue Management, Logistics, and regional leadership. Prior to his current role, he served as Cathay’s Director People.

60 Seconds With… Tom Owen: watch video online

What’s your most memorable moment in the air cargo industry?
I think for me, it’s the launch of the Cathay Cargo brand—when we relaunched the target brand to a big audience with a big painted plane in a hangar. It’s a very special time.

What was your dream job as a child?
Actually, it was being a zookeeper, which is quite interesting. I wanted to conserve animals and release them back into the wild.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry?
Digitisation—the use of data over the last few years.

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever shipped?

We’ve shipped possums, and we’ve shipped manatees, otters and monkeys—a whole bunch of interesting shipments.

Window or aisle seat?
Oh, definitely window. You can look out and see the view and see all the overlays.

What’s the most exciting place you’ve visited for work?
Tierra del Fuego—salmon fishery, looking for business.

If you could introduce one new regulation in air cargo, what would it be?
A regulation to have no more regulations!

What’s your go-to karaoke song?
“Viva La Vida” by Coldplay.

Describe your job in three words.
Exciting, dynamic, and people.

What’s something on your bucket list?
I think it’s to walk the Pacific Crest Trail in North America.

If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be?
It would definitely be to be able to kitesurf.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You are not your thoughts.

What’s your proudest moment and biggest regret?
Proudest moment would be Cathay Cargo results, I think, in business, and no regrets.

Who is your role model?
A guy called Thich Nhat Hanh, who’s a Zen Buddhist monk who’s got a great view on life.

What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?
I used to be in the British military—the Brigade of Gurkhas.

Early riser or night owl?
Definitely an early riser—when the best weather and the best views.