Embracing Change: From AI in MRO to Transforming Duty Travel

I joined IAG last May as part of the AI department, specifically within the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) business unit. Our mission was to enhance aircraft maintenance management through AI-driven solutions.

From a product delivery standpoint, I led two agile squads composed primarily of data scientists and data engineers. Each squad tackled distinct challenges, driving innovation through AI to optimize maintenance processes. Over the past 10 months, we built high-performing teams, carefully selecting and mentoring talent to ensure both technical excellence and a strong collaborative culture.

Recently, I was offered an exciting new opportunity within IAG—to lead the Duty Travel initiative across all airlines in the group. This initiative aims to streamline corporate travel for employees, reducing operational costs while ensuring a seamless experience when traveling for work. Given my background in app development and travel-related products, this transition aligns closely with my expertise and presents an opportunity to apply my past learnings on a much larger scale.

I'm thrilled about this new challenge, not only because it allows me to leverage my experience but also because I’ll be building a new team (or potentially multiple squads) from the ground up. AI will continue to be a core component, and I’m excited to explore how it can further optimize corporate travel within the airline industry.

At the same time, leaving my current teams is bittersweet. Over the past months, we built something truly special—two exceptional squads in the Barcelona Lab at IAG.AI. I was deeply involved in shaping the team culture, leading the product vision, and collaborating with my technical peers to bring in top talent. It’s hard to step away from a team that has become like a family, but I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together.

Lessons for Product Leaders: Embracing Transitions and Building Impactful Teams

This transition reminds me of an essential lesson for product managers, entrepreneurs, and CEOs: growth often comes from embracing change. Sometimes, the biggest opportunities emerge when we step outside our comfort zones. Leading a successful product or team isn’t just about execution—it’s about building trust, fostering innovation, and knowing when to pass the torch to new leaders. As product leaders, we should always be thinking not only about what we are building but also about the teams we are shaping and the legacy we leave behind.

Now, onto the next challenge—building another world-class team and driving meaningful impact across IAG!