Director / Themis Advisory Ltd
With over two decades at the forefront of travel and aviation law, Joanna Kolatsis brings unparalleled expertise and compelling storytelling to audiences worldwide. As founder of Themis Advisory, she transforms complex legal concepts into practical wisdom that captivates industry professionals and business leaders alike.
Joanna's presentations draw from her extraordinary first hand involvement in the travel industry's most challenging moments. Having navigated high-profile air accidents, terrorist events, catastrophic weather incidents and major injury claims, she delivers riveting insights on crisis management that few can match. Her ability to weave dramatic real-world scenarios with strategic guidance makes her a sought-after voice at prestigious industry events including ABTA, IATA, The Advantage Travel Partnership and Airlines UK conferences.
Joanna's remarkable journey began as Group General Counsel for a tour operator in 1998, evolving through partner roles at prestigious firms including Gates and Partners and Hill Dickinson, where she served as Partner and Head of Aviation and Travel. This wealth of experience culminated in founding Themis Advisory in 2018, where she now delivers pragmatic commercial solutions tailored to today's complex travel landscape.
Her comprehensive knowledge encompasses every sector of travel – airlines, tour operators, cruise lines, destination management companies and accommodation providers. This versatility, combined with her engaging presentation style, enables Joanna to connect with diverse audiences while addressing their specific challenges, whether regulatory compliance, risk management, or business resilience.
A multi-award-winning lawyer, Joanna serves as Honorary Legal Counsel to Airlines UK and sits on the Board of the Institute of Travel and Tourism. Her inclusion in the AWTE ``Most Influential Women in Travel`` list further cements her status as a transformative figure whose insights continue to shape the future of travel and aviation.