International SOS company MedAire has hired Hany Bakr to the newly created role of security director for EMEA. He will assist MedAire clients in managing and mitigating risks to their people, aircraft and operations, as well as supporting aviation security product development.

Bakr brings more than 20 years of experience as an aviation and security professional to the role, and has held executive leadership positions in airlines' airport operations, safety, quality and security divisions in the UK and Gulf region.

Prior to joining MedAire, he was most recently part of the executive leadership team of the Qatar Airways Group as its acting VP group security, accountable for all aspects of aviation and corporate security worldwide.

“From geo-political instability in the eastern Mediterranean and tensions in Pakistan and India to widespread social unrest globally, the need for independent, timely aviation-specific intelligence, analysis and advice has never been greater,” states global security director John Cauthen. “As organisations strive to manage security issues and keep employees and customers safe, we continue to expand to enhance and drive forward our best in class service. Hany's relevant experience and strong aviation expertise brings valuable strength and perspective to our robust security expertise.”

Bakr was also the chairman of the oneworld Alliance Security Group, chairman of the Arab Air Carriers' Organization (AACO) Security Intelligence Task Force, chairman of the Qatar Airways Security Risks, Threats and Security Action Groups and a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Security Group representing 290 airlines.