About Dr Jo Salter MBE
Dr Jo Salter MBE BEng (Hons), MBA, DA (h.c.), a trailblazer in aviation and leadership, is celebrated for her historic role as the first female fast jet pilot in the Royal Air Force. Flying the formidable Panavia Tornado, she joined the RAF at 18 and rapidly ascended through the ranks, ultimately becoming a Flight Lieutenant of the 617 Squadron. Beyond her military achievements, Jo has profoundly impacted the Air Cadets, inspiring future generations in the armed services.
Her transition to the corporate world saw her excel in various leadership roles, including her current position as the Director of Global Transformative Leadership at PWC. An accomplished author, speaker and educator, Jo’s insights on resilience, leadership and overcoming adversity resonate deeply at events ranging from intimate briefings to international conferences. Her life’s journey, marked by determination and excellence, continues to inspire and educate, reflecting her profound commitment to empowering others.
The First Female Fast Jet Pilot
At just 18, Jo Salter embarked on a remarkable journey with the Royal Air Force, initiating her studies at the Royal Military College of Science with an initial focus on becoming an engineering officer. However, a pivotal change in RAF policy opened the doors for women to pilot jet aircraft, redirecting Jo’s career path towards the skies. In 1992, a milestone was reached when Jo earned her wings, a testament to her skill and determination. Her journey didn’t stop there; she completed her fast jet training by the year’s end, a rigorous process that polished her flying prowess.
Jo’s achievements in the RAF culminated in her becoming a Flight Lieutenant of the prestigious 617 Squadron, a role that etched her name in history as the first female fast jet pilot. This achievement was more than a personal triumph; it represented a breakthrough in a traditionally male-dominated field, challenging stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of women in aviation.
Post RAF Career
Her impact in the RAF extended beyond her own flying career. Jo took on a pivotal role in guiding Air Cadets, leading them in Air Experience Flights. This involvement not only allowed her to share her extensive knowledge and experience but also to inspire young, aspiring members of the armed services. Her leadership in an all-male squadron further underscored her capability and adaptability in challenging environments.
Transition to Business – PwC
Transitioning from a distinguished military career, Dr. Jo Salter seamlessly integrated her skills into the business world. Her expertise in leadership, analytical thinking, and performing under pressure, honed in the Royal Air Force, propelled her to senior roles at NetConnect, Automated Power Exchange, Saltin Ltd., and Director of Global Transformative Leadership at PWC.
Director of People & Organisation
2015 – 2018
In her role as Director of People & Organisation at PwC, Jo Salter played a pivotal role in steering a vast, global team of 10,000 experts across 138 countries. This team, renowned for its diverse expertise spanning industry knowledge, business acumen, talent management, strategy, HR, analytics and technology, worked collaboratively to develop bespoke solutions for clients. Their goal was to align these solutions with the clients’ strategic ambitions, leveraging deep understanding and data-driven insights to create sustainable and differentiated value. Jo’s responsibilities included facilitating organisational transformations, enhancing workforce effectiveness, talent development, mobility and managing human capital risks.
Director of Risk Technology Strategy
2020 – 2021
As the Director of Risk Technology Strategy at PwC, Jo Salter played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s approach to technology-related risks. Her job involves developing strategies to manage and mitigate risks associated with the adoption and integration of new technologies in business operations. Jo’s expertise in both technology and risk management positions her uniquely to anticipate potential challenges and devise comprehensive solutions. Her role was crucial in ensuring that PwC not only stayed ahead in technological advancements but also did so in a manner that safeguarded the firm and its clients from potential risks, thereby maintaining trust and reliability in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Director of Global Transformative Leadership
2021 – 2023
As the Director of Global Transformative Leadership at PwC, Jo Salter’s role is integral to driving significant organisational change across a vast international landscape. Jo is also responsible for leading Application Management Services Consulting for the global implementation of Workday, a major project spanning 157 territories and impacting over 240,000 people. In this capacity, Jo is responsible for overseeing the transformation of work processes and systems, ensuring seamless integration and adoption of this advanced platform. Her leadership is key in navigating the complexities of this large-scale implementation, aligning technology solutions with business strategies, and fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency across PwC’s global network.
Global Advisory
GenAI
Jan 2024 – Jul 2024
Jo was most recently appointed as the Global Advisory GenAI for PwC. In this role, Jo is committed to steering the responsible and ethical implementation of artificial intelligence technologies throughout PwC. With her deep expertise in generative AI, Jo is at the forefront of integrating AI systems that uphold ethical standards and safety. In her new role, she is committed to educating stakeholders about the transformative potential and implications of AI for the future. Jo’s mission is crucial as she works to ensure that AI advancements benefit society while mitigating risks, emphasising the importance of governance and ethical frameworks in the fast-evolving AI landscape.
Lecturer, Trustee & Ambassador
In addition to her professional achievements, Jo Salter brings her passion and expertise to various philanthropic and educational roles. As a Trustee of The Royal Air Force Club, she is dedicated to supporting the RAF community, leveraging her experience to benefit the organisation. Jo’s commitment extends globally as a Trustee for Ripples Charity and an Ambassador for Global Angels, a charity focused on providing essential resources like clean water, education, and healthcare to communities worldwide, with a strong emphasis on empowering women and youth. Her influence in education is evident in her role as an Associate Lecturer at the Open University Business School, where she imparts her extensive knowledge and experience to students, particularly in the MBA Programme, shaping the next generation of business leaders.
Achievements
Throughout her illustrious career, Jo has been bestowed with countless accolades and honoured globally for her remarkable achievements. From receiving an Honorary Doctorate from Bournemouth University to being appointed MBE by HRH Prince William for her services to aviation, discover more about Jo’s achievements below.
Keep Up-to-Date with Jo!
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