Maria Nieves Rueda Garcia is Safety Management, Sustainability and Global Outreach Director and joined the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2023. She is responsible for the Agency's strategy, rulemaking coordination, safety risk management and data intelligence, research and innovation, sustainability, international cooperation, and cross-cutting initiatives such as artificial intelligence.
An aeronautical engineer specialising in airports and air navigation, Maria brings more than 30 years of experience across the aviation sector. Before joining EASA in October 2023, she served as Managing Director of CAA International (CAAi), the UK Civil Aviation Authority's international training and advisory organisation. Earlier in her career, she held senior leadership positions at Deloitte and was Business Development Director at George Best Belfast City Airport.
Maria holds a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors in London and a Non-Executive Director Diploma from the University of Chester.
Alongside her professional career, Maria is passionate about sport and committed to supporting charitable initiatives. She actively contributes to organisations working to tackle global hunger, reflecting her belief in giving back to the community.