Your passport to global affairs

Mark Schwab is president of the Naples Council on World Affairs. His career in the airline industry has included a number of internationally oriented leadership positions. 

After graduating from the University of Virginia in 1974 with a degree in Latin American studies, he joined Pan American World Airways and rotated through a number of assignments in Brazil, Venezuela, Hispaniola and Argentina. After a stop at American Airlines’ Latin American Division, he joined United Airlines as country manager for Mexico. He then spent 18 years with United Airlines with positions in London, Tokyo and Chicago including Vice President, Pacific and Senior Vice President, Alliances.

In 2012 he became CEO of Star Alliance, whose 26 members constitute the world’s first and most comprehensive global airline alliance. Since his retirement he has served on various airline industry boards, including the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and Passur Aerospace. 

In Southwest Florida, he was a participant in Great Naples Leadership’s Master Class XXIII and now serves as a GNL board member, chairing the Hunger Initiative Committee. He is a member of the NCWA's School Outreach Committee and last season chaired the Membership Committee. He and his wife, Yone, still travel extensively.

As President, he is an Officer of NCWA and chairs the Executive Committee.