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From Lufthansa to the Heart of Saudi Aviation: Christian Schneider’s Leadership Journey

In this episode

In this episode of Leadership Blueprint, Oliver Helvin sits down with Christian Schneider, General Manager at Matarat Holding, to explore the complexities of leadership, innovation, and transformation within one of the most highly regulated industries in the world – aviation.

With over 25 years of experience across Europe and the Middle East – including time at Lufthansa, roles in Abu Dhabi and Oman, and now in Saudi Arabia – Christian shares how he’s supporting the transformation of airport operations across the Kingdom during a pivotal time of national change under Vision 2030.

Christian’s Journey: From Europe to the Gulf

Christian’s career spans major roles in airlines, airport services, and airport operations. His path reflects a unique ability to adapt across different cultures, industries, and organizational structures – from legacy carriers like Lufthansa to private equity-backed ventures and now large-scale national infrastructure.

Now based in Saudi Arabia, Christian is part of the team helping reshape airport operations for 27+ airports across the Kingdom – a key component of Saudi Arabia’s strategic national growth plans.

Sound bites

“Innovation is a voluntary act. You can’t force someone to be innovative-you create the culture for it.”
“Lead from behind. Sometimes stepping back is the best way to help a team grow.”
“Customer centricity isn’t a department. It’s a mindset across the entire organization.”
“In aviation, regulations don’t stop innovation-they guide how it evolves.”

Advice for future leaders

Leadership Through Culture, Not Control: Christian discusses why innovation can’t be forced – it must be invited. He emphasizes the importance of transparency, collaboration, and cultural readiness in any transformation journey.
Balancing the Now vs. the Next: Managing short-term revenue goals while investing in long-term digital and strategic infrastructure is no easy feat. Christian shares how he balances quick wins with strategic patience, especially in maturing markets.
Leading in a Regulated Industry: Aviation comes with heavy regulations, but Christian explains how clear communication, stakeholder inclusion, and a strong vision for value creation can unlock innovation even within these constraints.
Hiring for Attitude Over Skills: When building teams, Christian looks beyond resumes. “You can teach technical skills, but you can’t teach attitude.” He reflects on what he values in candidates – including integrity, emotional intelligence, and curiosity.
What Makes a Future Leader: Christian offers advice to emerging leaders: stay humble, keep learning, avoid job-hopping, and look for depth over speed. He also stresses the importance of giving time and attention to rising talent – “Your attention is a gift.”ttitude.” He reflects on what he values in candidates – including integrity, emotional intelligence, and curiosity.

About Today’s Guest

Christian Schneider is a seasoned international executive and board member with over 25 years of leadership experience in the aviation and industrial services sectors. Known for his strategic mindset and transformative impact, Christian has held senior roles across Europe and the Middle East, managing complex organizational structures, multi-country teams, and businesses with turnovers exceeding €250 million.

Currently serving as General Manager of AERO at MATARAT Airport Holding in Saudi Arabia, Christian plays a key role in shaping the commercial strategy across 27 airports-overseeing passenger, cargo, and aeronautical concessions while aligning with national privatization and master planning goals under Vision 2030.

His prior roles include executive leadership at TRANSOM in Oman, AAS Group in Germany and Switzerland, and Etihad Regional in Abu Dhabi and Switzerland. Christian also spent a decade with Lufthansa, where he began his aviation career.

Christian is known for delivering impactful turnarounds, building profitable new ventures, securing strategic partners, and creating long-term growth strategies. He has led organizations with up to 4,700 employees, restructured operations, and driven innovation across holding companies, affiliate models, and private equity-backed ventures.He holds a Master of Science in Business Innovation from EBS European Business School and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, and speaks English, German, and Italian fluently.

Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Christian is passionate about scaling operational excellence, mentoring future leaders, and contributing to the Kingdom’s transformative vision for infrastructure and aviation.

The Leadership Blueprint: Navigating the Future

At “The Leadership Blueprint: Navigating the Future,” our mission is to empower current and aspiring leaders with the knowledge, insights, and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of leadership in an ever-evolving world.

Through engaging discussions, expert interviews, and practical advice, we aim to inspire individuals to lead with authenticity, innovation, and vision.

Our channel serves as a guiding beacon for those seeking to shape the future of leadership and make a meaningful impact in their organizations and communities.

Join us on this journey as we chart the course for effective leadership in the dynamic landscape of tomorrow.

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