Recognizing emerging leaders who combine initiative, expertise, and the potential to shape the future of aviation, the Rising Talent Award celebrates people already making a meaningful impact within their organizations. At the 2025 Avia Solutions Group “Highflyers” Employee of the Year Awards, this recognition went to Audrius Gedvygas of Avion Express, whose transition into management introduced a new approach to compliance, safety, and team ownership.
When Audrius stepped into a manager role in 2025, the most important changes he introduced were not simply procedural. He focused on changing how the team approached its responsibilities, moving away from reacting to issues and toward identifying and addressing them before they became operational disruptions.
“The change with the most strategic impact was not a specific procedure itself, but a shift in mindset across the team,” Audrius explains. “My focus was on moving from a reactive, compliance-driven style to a proactive and ownership-based culture.”
For Audrius, procedures are most effective when they are understood not simply as requirements to follow, but as practical tools for managing risk. Encouraging greater ownership has helped create an environment where the team looks ahead, identifies potential challenges earlier, and takes responsibility for resolving them.
His previous experience as an auditor proved particularly valuable as he moved into a role requiring regular interaction with authorities and external auditors. Years spent assessing compliance, processes, and organizational performance gave him a clear understanding of what external stakeholders expect and how best to demonstrate that those expectations are being met.
“Having spent years assessing compliance, processes and organizational performance, I developed a strong understanding of what authorities and external auditors typically focus on, the questions they ask, and the evidence they expect to see.”
That perspective also shapes the way Audrius approaches process design. Rather than viewing safety, regulatory requirements, and operational efficiency as competing priorities, he looks for ways to connect them to the business's wider commercial strategy.
“My approach is to demonstrate that strong safety performance and regulatory compliance are business enablers, not obstacles to operational efficiency,” he says.
The impact of that approach soon became visible beyond the organization itself. One of the first signs that the changes were working came through feedback from authorities, auditors, and industry partners, who increasingly recognized the department’s professionalism, transparency, and preparedness.
For Audrius, however, improvement is an ongoing process. His next priority is strengthening alignment and collaboration across the team as organizations grow and responsibilities become more complex. He sees a risk in departments and individuals becoming too focused on their own priorities and believes stronger cooperation will be essential to maintaining a shared direction.
Despite receiving individual recognition, Audrius sees the Rising Talent Award as confirmation that his contribution supports something larger.
“Personally, this recognition means that I have been able to make a meaningful contribution to the company in a way that supports its needs, values, and ambitions for growth,” he says. “It is rewarding to know that my efforts have had a positive impact and are aligned with the organization’s long-term objectives.”
He also credits those who helped prepare him for the role, including his previous Compliance department, where he developed his knowledge of process architecture, compliance, and management, as well as his direct manager, whose trust and guidance supported his transition into management.
His advice to future nominees reflects the same balanced approach he brings to his work: “Be practical and reasonable in your approach while ensuring that your ideas and initiatives are aligned with the company’s needs and strategic direction.”
Vilnius, Lithuania
