Etihad Airways, have announced the appointment of Amina Taher, as the head of media relations, corporate affairs department, responsible for all aspects of the media relations program, reporting to Michael Venus, vice president, corporate affairs. 

Taher, a UAE national with more than 10 years’ experience, was with Mubadala Development Company (MDC) as head of social development and sponsorship in the group communications unit. Prior to joining Mubadala, she was executive director, corporate communications at Zabeel Investments, the work covered mentoring Emirati entrepreneurs, speaking at women and leadership conferences.

Michael Venus said: “Etihad Airways continues to expand its operations, increasing the need to recruit the industry’s leading professionals. Amina’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to having a world class workforce, with Emiratis at the core of the business.

“Amina brings great media and communications experience and expertise to the role which will strengthen the department’s capabilities as we move forward into the second decade of operations, flying to more than 100 destinations worldwide.”

Taher holds a masters  in  business administration (MBA)  from the London Business School as well as a bachelor’s degree in applied media studies, the Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai.

Taher, said: “Etihad Airways is recognized as one of the region’s most dynamic and exciting companies to work for and I’m delighted to join the department charged with communicating this story to a global media audience.”

“Etihad Airways is also renowned for its award-winning Emiratisation program and its commitment to UAE nationals, which is very important to me. I’m looking forward to playing a key role in the development of younger Emiratis as well as enhancing my own career.”

Etihad Airways media relations team produce more than 100 press releases and alerts every year with over of 200 media weekly enquiries. 

The Etihad Airways corporate affairs department has rebuilt its strategy and processes during the past 18 months, focusing on social media, internal communications and corporate social responsibility.

The department won the in-house team of the year award at the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) awards ceremony in December 2013.