IAWA Honors Katherine Bennett CBE FRAeS with the 2022 IAWA Woman of Excellence Award
Leesburg, VA – November 3, 2022 - The International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA), a global association committed to connecting, inspiring and leading women in the aerospace and aviation industries, is pleased to announce Katherine Bennett CBE FRAeS, Chief Executive Officer, High Value Manufacturing Catapult, as the recipient of the 2022 IAWA Woman of Excellence Award. This award recognizes women who are leaders in aerospace and aviation, have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women in the industries and are respected by men and women alike.As a woman who epitomizes these attributes, IAWA is honored to recognize Ms. Bennett as the eleventh recipient of the Woman of Excellence Award. Ms. Bennett’s career at Airbus and her current role as CEO of the HVM Catapult team are only two examples of her demonstrated leadership. Her commitment to the development and advancement of women in the industry is exemplified by her membership in IAWA including serving on the IAWA Board, the founding of the UK’s chapter of Women in Aviation and Aerospace, and her involvement in the Royal Aeronautical Society are only a few examples of her commitment to IAWA’s mission.
From IAWA President, Kathleen Guilfoyle, “Katherine’s unwavering commitment to the advancement and support of women in this field and the development of the next generation of leaders is unparalleled. I cannot think of a more deserving candidate for this prestigious award”.
About Ms. Bennett
Ms. Bennett joined the HVM Catapult as CEO in June 2021 following a 16-year career at Airbus, including as Senior Vice President leading the company’s external engagement and strategy in the UK. Ms. Bennett’s previous employment was with Vauxhall Motors where she headed up their government affairs function and prior to that worked for Hill and Knowlton Public Relations in London, working with a range of industrial clients.
Ms. Bennett was awarded the Order of Commander of the British Empire in January 2019 for services to the aerospace and aviation sector. She has served on various boards of public/private enterprises. She is on the Board of the Aerospace Growth Partnership (part of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy), the Investment Council of the Department for International Trade, the Made Smarter Commission and of the Wales Government Science and Innovation Council. Ms. Bennett will also be joining the Automotive Council.
In November 2019, Ms. Bennett was appointed as Chair of the Western Gateway, a cross government and local authority initiative which will aim to promote and maximize economic growth across south Wales and the West of England. Ms. Bennett managed the public affairs for VentilatorChallengeUK which was led by the HVM Catapult.
In July 2018, Ms. Bennett founded the UK’s Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter which is committed to building a fair and balanced industry for women in this sector and served on the Board of the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) as Regional Vice President, Europe-Asia-Pacific and Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Bennett has an Honorary Doctorate from Cranfield University.
About the International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA)
IAWA is a nonprofit association providing a worldwide network dedicated to promoting the advancement of women in the aviation and aerospace industries at all levels across the globe. IAWA sponsors informative meetings, hosts receptions, and connects, publishes newsletters, and keeps its members updated on the latest industry developments. Information related to the Association, its programs, studies and NextGen opportunities can be found at IAWA.org.