A Minute with Juliet Thomson: Insights and Inspirations

Juliet Thomson serves as the Chief People Officer at Menzies Aviation, where she spearheads the global strategy for people and communications.

Having dedicated over ten years to Menzies, Juliet took on her current role right as the Covid-19 pandemic began. She now manages workplace culture and employee engagement for a workforce exceeding 50,000, with plans to expand to 65,000 following their acquisition of G2 in the U.S. Based in East Lothian, Scotland, she enjoys life with her husband and two kids.

What’s been the most critically important shift in your industry?

The toughest hurdle I’ve faced has been attracting and keeping frontline staff—a challenge we take very seriously. When I became head of HR during the peak of Covid-19, we had to make some hard choices that affected many team members. Those decisions were crucial but also marked a tough chapter for us all. Rebuilding trust within our industry has since become a major focus. While we’ve seen some progress in talent retention lately, it remains an ongoing issue that needs collective attention across our sector to ensure its future stability.

At Menzies Aviation, we’ve rolled out several initiatives aimed at addressing this challenge. One key area is enhancing diversity by increasing depiction from underrepresented groups—something we believe should be a priority across our entire industry.

Aisle or window seat?

I’m definitely an aisle seat person! The idea of being stuck between passengers just to reach the restroom? No thanks!

coffee or tea?

I lean towards tea—herbal varieties are my favorite! Coffee just never clicked with me; I often joke that maybe one day I’ll acquire a taste for it!

What’s your guilty pleasure when it comes to TV shows or movies?
I love indulging in “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” It’s such an entertaining escape into another lifestyle!

What’s been your most thrilling work trip?
I feel incredibly lucky because my job allows me to travel extensively and meet amazing people from diverse cultures—from vibrant cities like Karachi to bustling Hong Kong. Just last week I visited operations in Guadalajara and Cancún; what truly makes these trips memorable isn’t just seeing new places but connecting with passionate individuals who share their stories about working in aviation—it’s genuinely humbling.

The best advice you’ve ever received?
“Be where you are.” As someone juggling executive responsibilities around-the-clock while raising two energetic boys, it’s easy to get pulled away by distractions. I strive always to be fully engaged—whether I’m collaborating with colleagues at work or spending quality time with my children amidst today’s constant notifications.

A fun fact not found on your CV?
Before joining Menzies Aviation,I practiced employment law before transitioning into various legal roles within the company before moving into HR management—a shift I’ve thoroughly enjoyed! Leaving behind billable hours was definitely a welcome change!