About the Principal

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Dr. Rob Britton has been in and near the airline industry since 1969.  In 2009, he completed a 22-year career with American Airlines, one of the world’s largest.  Before that, he held field and staff positions with Republic Airlines and Northwest, and with travel agencies and tour operators.

 

At American from 2007 to 2009, he served as Adviser to the Chairman.  From September 2001 through 2006, he was Managing Director, Brand Development and Advertising, responsible for brand stewardship, worldwide media advertising, direct marketing, sales promotion, and customer research.  Before that, he held leadership positions in international planning, corporate communications, passenger sales, and operations.

 

Airline management is often crisis management, and Rob contributed during two of American's biggest challenges, rebuilding consumer and employee confidence in the brand after the September 11 attacks, and helping manage the media and maintain corporate reputation before and during the February 1997 pilot strike. 

 

He earned a Ph.D. in economic geography from the University of Minnesota, and completed postdoctoral management training at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.  Prior to entering the airline industry, Rob was a geography lecturer at Minnesota and at the University of New England, Australia.

 

He has published over 60 articles in major newspapers and magazines, in travel-industry publications, and in academic journals.  At American, he wrote extensively, especially 1993-96, when he was Managing Director, International Affairs, 1996-98, when he led the Corporate Communications team, and in his role as adviser to the Chairman. 

 

Rob is energetic, enthusiastic, and articulate.  His “fresh set of eyes” approach adds value in every consulting situation, and his writing and speaking styles reflect those qualities.  He is able to make the complex clear, and to make connections and create analogies that illuminate.  His presentations are interactive, animated, and enjoyable.  Click here for a video sample of a recent talk.

 

Questions or comments?  Just ask: Rob.Britton@AirLearn.net