Ernst & Young appoints Toby Stokes as EMEIA Aviation Sector Leader

Highlighting the fact that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is today at the center of the global aviation industry, Ernst & Young has announced the appointment of its leading MENA aviation expert and Partner, Toby Stokes, as the Aviation Sector Leader for Europe, Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA). Toby is based full-time in the Middle East to be close to new developments and to thegeographic shift of influence in the aviation industry towards the region.

Abdulaziz Al-Sowailim, Chairman and CEO of Ernst & Young Middle East and North Africa said: “It gives me immense pleasure to see Toby oversee the aviation sector across Europe, Middle East, India and Africa. His appointment is a reflection of the growth of the regional aviation sector and its increasing influence on the global landscape. Being based in the region will give him a great opportunity to maintain and develop key relationships with aviation companies, as well as provide advice to our Middle Eastern aviation clients in person.”

Julie Teigland, EMEIA Markets Leader at Ernst & Young said: “Toby has been associated with the aviation sector for over 16 years and continues to grow our aviation sector with his specialist knowledge and industry expertise. I am confident he will bring foresight and leading industry practices to further develop the aviation sector across the EMEIA area.”

Commenting on the aviation industry in the EMEIA region Toby said: “The challenges that the four regions within the EMEIA area face are quite different. While in Europe, it is to ensure stability and survival, in India it is to manage growth in a highly competitive market and the African aviation sector faces stiff competition from global carriers and a challenge of attracting talent and financing. Despite the issues the MENA region has faced at the beginning of 2011, the industry is predicting exceptionally strong growth. There are huge investments being placed into industry in terms of new orders, new airports, infrastructure as well as an increase in air travel due to tourism. The MENA region is expected to be at the forefront of the global aviation industry in the near future. It is an exciting time to be here and to contribute to strengthening the regional aviation sector.”

Toby was previously the Aviation Sector Leader of Ernst & Young Middle East and North Africa (MENA). He has been an aviation specialist since he joined the organization in 1995 and was appointed Partner in 2007. He spent the first 12 years of his career at Ernst & Young Paris and London working with various aviation companies, government organizations, FTSE UK listed companies and SEC registrants. Prior to relocating to the Middle East in January 2011, Toby spent four years leading Ernst & Young’s African Aviation Sector, based in South Africa.

Toby actively advises Ernst & Young engagement teams throughout EMEIA, working with the region’s largest airlines, airports and aviation regulators, as the aviation sector subject matter expert. He has extensive aviation sector experience with airlines and airport companies in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Toby is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales and he graduated from the University of Bath in International management and modern languages in 1995.