Our Alumni, Their Journey

daa International Alumnus | Consultancy (2016-Present)

deborah.kearns@hotmail.com

​From leading performance programmes in Saudi Arabia to coordinating global summits, Deborah Kearns blends operational expertise with cultural intelligence. As a long-standing member of the daa International team, she shares how her time in Riyadh and Jeddah shaped her career and continues to influence her global impact. 

​With a career built on purpose, high standards, and resilience, I’ve had the privilege of growing into a key figure in aviation performance and international summit coordination. My legacy at daa International is woven through transformation programmes, stakeholder development, and cultivating future talent. ​I joined daa International in May 2016, originally for a short 12-week posting. But my blend of hands-on operational excellence and people-focused leadership quickly led to a new path—becoming Performance & Development Manager. I was based across Riyadh and Jeddah, supporting terminal operations, staff development, and strategic airport programmes. From delivering induction and supervisory training to shaping leadership frameworks at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), I helped raise service standards across the Kingdom.
One of my proudest achievements was co-developing the Future Leaders Programme in Riyadh. Introduced in 2019, it has grown into a cornerstone of daa International’s capacity-building efforts. To see what it’s become now is incredible—it’s a testament to how far daa International has come in nurturing local talent. I also pioneered the implementation of a structured induction programme at Terminal 5, which became a benchmark for airport training across KKIA. My work laid the foundation for continuous improvement initiatives including mentorship programmes, leadership courses, and customer experience training—not only for daa staff but also for wider stakeholders like RASF, GID, and SGS. The ripple effect of these programmes was clear: talent nurtured under my guidance became sought-after across the airport. Many of the individuals we trained were later invited to join teams in other terminals—it was a huge source of pride for us.
My success with daa International caught the attention of Saudi officials. In 2020, I was invited to join the G20 Summit as Coordination & Readiness Director. There, I led operational delivery across transport, protocol, accreditation, and airport logistics—playing a central role in Saudi Arabia’s hosting of one of the world’s most complex political gatherings. That experience led to further strategic roles at COP28 in Dubai and COP29 in Azerbaijan, where I advised airport authorities on best practices for welcoming Heads of State and VIP delegations. These roles demanded exceptional operational awareness, cultural fluency, and diplomatic finesse—skills I had cultivated during my time with daa International.
Working across global airports taught me the value of agility, inclusivity, and strategic communication. I learned to empower others, foster a safe learning environment, and lead with clarity—even under pressure. For me, innovation goes beyond technology—it’s about mindset. We continually encouraged teams to ask, “how can we do this better?” That approach created a culture of problem-solving and improvement. Operational excellence starts with a belief in your people. If you give them the right tools, encouragement, and standards—they’ll rise.
My advice is heartfelt and practical: Say yes to opportunities—even the ones outside your comfort zone. Work diligently, act with humility, and remain curious. Share knowledge generously, and embrace every culture, challenge, and win. These experiences will shape your toolkit and make you invaluable. daa International sharpened my ability to make decisions in real time, build stakeholder trust, and adapt to cultural contexts—all of which continue to drive my success today.
Today, I continue to apply my skills through my consultancy, mentoring graduates and advising organisations globally. My focus remains on operational readiness, strategic coordination, and leadership development. I believe daa International will play an even greater role in the future of aviation: We’ve helped redefine standards in emerging markets. With our training, expertise, and collaborative ethos, daa International is primed to influence global airport excellence -especially where growth and innovation are most needed.
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